ACL Injury Treatment
Surgery
Surgical repair of a torn ACL involves the removal of the damaged
ligament and replacement with a tendon, typically the middle one third of
the patella tendon or hamstring tendons. The surgery is commonly done
under a mild general anesthesia. Nerve blocks are utilized to eliminate
pain early on after surgery.
- Arthroscopically, your surgeon will first examine the inside of your
knee to assess the degree of damage to the ligaments, menisci and
surface lining. ACL tears are often associated with injuries to the
meniscus (cartilage).
- A small incision will be made in the front of your knee and the
middle portion of the patella tendon will be removed, along with a
small piece of bone on either end, or the hamstring tendons will be
removed.
- Using arthroscopic techniques, the damaged ligament will be removed
and the femoral notch that the ligament passes through will be
enlarged.
- Small holes will be drilled in your femur and tibia as attachment
sites for the new ligament.
- The tendon will be secured into the bone with tiny screws.
The complete procedure takes approximately 1&1/2 hours. You will
wake up with your knee in a brace. Patients go home comfortably the same
day of the surgery. You will be taught to use crutches, given
prescriptions for pain medication when the nerve blocks wear off, and
given a postoperative booklet for instructions.
Surgery pros and cons
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