ACL repair/reconstruction is a minimally invasive procedure that repairs a torn ACL, a ligament that attaches the tibia to the femur bones and stabilizes the knee. Patients who experience symptoms such as pain, swelling, and weakness, or difficulty walking, may have torn their ACL due to a twist or force pushing against it in the opposite direction. Procedure steps involve general anesthesia, making 2-3 incisions around the patella, removing the torn ACL, replacing it with a tendon graft from the patient's hamstring tendons or a cadaver tendon, and securing the tendon to the tibia and femur bones. After a physical examination confirms the new ligament is secure and functional, the knee is immobilized in a brace and physical therapy is started as soon as possible. Full recovery usually takes 6-8 months. Our Board-Certified and Fellowship-Trained knee specialists are experts in performing ACL repairs/reconstructions and provide patients with a treatment solution to relieve their symptoms and improve function.
ACL repair/reconstruction is a well-known minimally invasive procedure that repairs a torn ACL. The procedure is one of the most commonly performed in orthopedic surgery. Usually, it is performed on athletes and active individuals who tear their ACL while competing or training. Procedure steps include the following:
The incisions are carefully closed and sterilely dressed after a physical examination confirms the new ligament is secure and functional. The knee is placed in a comfortable hinge knee brace set to a locked position. The patient returns home after they are awake and alert. Physical therapy is started as soon as possible and continues throughout recovery to help the patient recover and regain strength, flexibility, and function. Totally recovery time is usually 6-8 months.
The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) attaches the tibia (shin bone) to the femur (leg bone) and is very important because it stabilizes the knee and helps it move properly. ACL tears occur when the knee is twisted and a force pushes against it in the opposite direction. Symptoms include:
Patients find it is extremely difficult to walk without feeling like their knee will give out. Some partial ACL tears may heal with nonsurgical treatment options. The majority of complete tears will not heal without surgery.
Our Board-certified and Fellowship-Trained knee specialists are experts in performing ACL repairs/reconstructions. Please make an appointment today if you have been injured and would like a treatment solution.
