ACL Repair

What is an ACL repair?

The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is inside of the knee joint capsule. The ACL connects the femur (thigh bone) to the tibia (shin bone). It is responsible for stabilizing the knee joint articulation. ACL tears may be partial (grade 1 and 2 sprain) or more commonly, complete (grade 3 sprain). The surgeon may use sutures to repair the ACL in the case of partial ACL tears and/or avulsion fractures, where the portion of bone and tendon break off from the main bone. This is typically done as an arthroscopic surgery that requires a small incision and arthroscope (camera) to minimize muscle loss and damage. The surgeon will determine the appropriate treatment after considering a patient’s age, injury severity, and activity levels.

Who needs an ACL repair?

ACL injuries are common knee injuries. Those playing sports with frequent cutting, jumping and sudden stops are at greater risk to damage their ACLs. Patients experience chronic inflammation, knee instability, and pain in ACL tears as they walk or try pivoting on the injured foot. Those participating in high-energy sports like basketball, football, lacrosse, rugby, skiing, soccer, and tennis are at an increased risk for ACL tears. Additionally, nearly half of ACL injuries occur simultaneously with meniscus, cartilage and/or ligament injuries which may complicate a patient’s treatment and rehabilitation. Those who did not respond to non-surgical treatments like physical therapy, wearing braces, may require surgery, especially if they desire a return to competitive sport.

 

More about ACL repairs...

Younger patients with surgically untreated ACL tears are more predisposed to damaging their menisci and cartilage in the knee joint. A surgeon may also choose to perform ACL reconstruction instead of a repair by using grafts from the patient (autografts), or from donated cadavers (allografts). The ACL would be replaced from hamstring, patellar or quadriceps tendon grafts. ACL repair or reconstruction should take place within 6 weeks after the initial injury for optimal injury prognosis.

Life after ACL repairs...

More information coming soon!