Arthroscopic ACL Reconstruction

• What is ACL?

The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is the main stabilizing ligament on the inside of the knee. Its main function is to prevent the tibia (shin bone) from sliding forward and rotating on the femur (thigh bone). Tears/ruptures of the ligament result in knee instability.

• What are the causes for ACL tear?

ACL tears happen after sudden twisting injuries in the knee during sports activity, road traffic accidents and slip with rotational injuries at home. The ACL is one of the most commonly injured ligaments of the knee

• What are the symptoms?

ACL tears cause immediate pain and swelling. The knee may feel loose, give way or buckle while walking. Over a time swelling may increase, difficulty in walking and knee muscle weakness may develop. A patient with a torn ACL and significant functional instability has a high risk of developing secondary knee damage and should therefore consider ACL reconstruction. Your activity level decides surgical intervention but not the age.

• What are the types of ACL graft?

1. Hamstring tendon graft:-The semitendinosus hamstring tendon on the inner side of the knee is commonly used.
2. Patellar tendon graft
3. Allograft (taken from a cadaver) patellar tendon, Achilles tendon, semitendinosus, gracilis, or posterior tibialis tendon

• How it’s repaired?

Usually done under spinal anaesthesia. Surgeon makes two small key holes in front of the knee to insert arthroscope into the joint. At first complete visualization of knee joint done. Meniscus and cartilage injuries repaired. The graft harvested and prepared. The bone tunnels are drilled into the tibia and the femur to place the ACL graft in place of the original ligament. The graft is placed in the tunnels and fixed with biodegradable interference screws or anchors. The entire surgery performed through a minimally-invasive arthroscopic procedure and all inside technique. Contact Best Orthopedic in Hanamkonda