Acl Reconstruction

The anterior cruciate ligament, or ACL, is one of four primary ligaments that provides stability to the knee joint. If the ACL is completely torn, it will not heal normally. Some individuals elect to leave the knee without a functioning ACL, and some choose ACL surgery to replace the torn ligament.

Left untreated, a knee with a torn ACL may have ongoing symptoms of knee instability. This is usually a sensation of buckling or the knee giving-out. For some people, this may not be bothersome, but for others, it may interfere with their activities.

Recommendations

ACL reconstruction surgery should be considered for all individuals who desire a return to sports or activities that require lateral pivoting of the knee, or those who experience recurrent instability of the knee. ACL surgery is a good option for:

1. Most people expecting to return to high-level athletic activities in sports such as soccer or basketball
2. Individuals who experience recurrent episodes of knee instability due to ACL insufficiency
3. Patients who do not want to attempt nonsurgical treatment

ACL Reconstruction Surgery

ACL reconstruction surgery is performed to create a new ligament to take the place of the torn ACL. There are a number of considerations for those who are interested in ACL surgery including the specific surgical technique, the timing of surgery, and the type of graft to use.

The surgical procedure is an Overnight stay procedure. Patients are given crutches to use, most often for a few weeks after surgery. Rehab after an ACL tear can take several months, and most doctors limit patients recovering from ACL reconstruction for 7-9 months before the can undertake active sports.