The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is located in the knee. When it is torn, it can be extremely painful. The treatment for this sort of injury is reconstructive surgery. This procedure replaces your torn or damaged tissue with new tissue.
Autograft is the term used to describe a graft that is taken from your body. An autograft is usually taken from part of the tendon that is located on the front of your knee. This is called the patellar tendon. Another place an autograft may be taken is the hamstring.
Allograft is another type of graft. This tissue is harvested from a cadaver.
There are good and bad points about each choice. Your surgeon will talk with you about the options and help you decide which would work best in your situation.
ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) Reconstruction surgery is normally performed with the use of an arthroscope. To perform knee arthroscopy, your surgeon will create a small poke-hole in your knee and insert a tiny camera. This camera is connected to a video monitor and allows your surgeon to see the inside of your knee.
While your surgeon is looking, he or she will check for damage to other tissues. If the cartilage or ligament in your knee has been otherwise damaged, that problem will also be attended to during your procedure.
Several types of anesthesia are used for arthroscopic knee surgery, but you will probably receive general anesthetic. This will allow you to sleep during the surgery. While you are sleeping, your surgeon will replace your ACL (anterior cruciate ligament).
Click here for more on ACL Reconstructive Surgery.
Your surgeon will also make a few other small incisions around the knee. These will allow the surgeon to place your new ligament properly. Your damaged ligament will be taken out with a shaver or some other instrument. The exception to this is that, if you will be using an autograft, a larger incision will be needed to remove the tissue that is to be used for grafting.
Your new ligament will be put into place using bone tunnels which will allow the surgeon to place the new ligament in exactly the same location as the old ligament. Once in place, the ligament will be secured with screws or some other type of fastener to prevent it from moving. When your surgery is done, your incisions will be closed, and your knee will be bandaged.
Your surgeon will probably take photos and/or film your operation so that you can watch it on the video monitor after your surgery is done. This technique allows the surgeon to discuss findings with you in detail.
To be considered for ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) reconstruction, some symptoms you might be experiencing include, knees that give way, weakness and instability in the knees, and knee pain. If your ADL (activities of daily living) are affected and/or you are not able to participate in sports as you wish, these are further reasons to consider ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) reconstruction.
Of course, there are risks with any surgical procedure. Risks for ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) surgery include possible nerve damage, infection and excessive bleeding. Some patients experience knee stiffness, knee pain, and weakness in the knees. Additionally, there are times when the ligament fails to heal or the surgery does not alleviate the symptoms.
Dr. Edelson is a Board Certified Orthopaedic Surgeon specializing in sports medicine. His clinic, Sports Medicine Oregon, focuses on athletes of all ages. Click here to learn more about Dr. Edelson, Vancouver ACL Surgery and Vancouver Athletic Injuries.
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