ACL Reconstructions

What is the ACL?

The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is one of the ligaments in your knee joint that connects the thigh bone (femur) to the shinbone (tibia). It helps to maintain knee stability by preventing the tibia from slipping in front of the femur when you walk, run, jump, plant your foot to kick a ball, or pivot and change direction.

Why would I need ACL reconstruction?

Injuries to the ACL are common and frequently result in tears or ruptures that separate the ligament. 

Because an ACL will not heal independently, patients often need surgical reconstruction of the ligament to restore knee stability. This is particularly true for individuals who wish to remain active in sports such as tennis, soccer, basketball, and other similar activities.

Generally, activities such as cycling and swimming are less demanding on your ACL, and bracing without surgery may provide adequate knee stability following a tear. 

However, an ACL injury strains other ligaments and joint structures if left untreated, increasing your risk of meniscal damage, osteoarthritis, and other painful knee problems.

Thus, based on your activity level and the nature of the tear (whether full or partial), your provider at Los Angeles Orthopedic Surgery Specialists may recommend minimally invasive ACL reconstruction to restore knee stability.

What happens during and after ACL reconstruction?

ACL tears do not respond well to suturing the torn ligament back together. Instead, during ACL reconstruction, your surgeon replaces the damaged ligament with a substitute graft made from a tendon. The graft may come from your body (autograft) or donor material (allograft).

During this minimally invasive procedure (arthroscopy), your surgeon inserts a high-definition camera and surgical instruments through small incisions or “portals” that allow access to the knee joint. 

Compared with open or traditional surgery, arthroscopic ACL reconstruction decreases trauma to surrounding tissue structures and speeds healing.

Your provider also develops a comprehensive rehabilitation program following ACL reconstruction that restores mobility and helps prevent future injury by strengthening the muscles that support your knee joint.

It does take several months to recover from any ACL injury, but with a customized rehab program, you can generally return to full activity following ACL reconstruction.

Schedule an evaluation at Los Angeles Orthopedic Surgery Specialists today by calling the nearest office or requesting an appointment online.