ACL Reconstruction

Sustaining an blow to your knee from the side, or even just twisting your knee, can result in an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury (shown above). This is one of the most common injuries in sports, and is particularly common in sports that require quick pivoting, changes in direction, and contact. The ACL ligament connects your femur (thigh bone) to your tibia (shin bone). Unlike your skin, ligaments do not heal on their own over time. Reconstruction surgery, however, allows many people to recover full function of their knee.

The ligaments in your body connect your bones to each other. They are comprised of strong material that does not easily give with pressure. If you tear your ACL, you may hear a "pop," your knee may buckle, and you may notice swelling, redness, and pain in your knee within a couple of days. Should this happen to you, be sure to call your doctor, apply ice to your knee and keep it immobilized and elevated.

Prior to reconstructive surgery, your doctor will likely examine your knee, obtain an X-ray, and may examine your knee arthroscopically, repairing any additional damage that may have occurred (i.e.- cartilage damage). Usually, there are many options for your substitute ACL, including a strip of tendon from your kneecap, hamstrings (as shown below), or a donated achilles tendon.

During the reconstruction, a small incision is made in your leg and holes are drilled in the bone, through which the replacement ACL is threaded and fixed (shown below).

Fortunately, ACL reconstruction has a very high success rate of 85-92 percent. After the procedure, your doctor will recommend rehabilitation excercises. You can expect to return to sports in approximately one year after the operation.

Illustrated below is the knee after ACL reconstruction, during extension and flexion.