ACL reconstruction
Located in the knee joint, the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) plays the important role of providing stability. Rupturing or tearing this ligament can lead to the knee collapsing or giving way when making turning or twisting movements.
Treatment
If your knee persistently gives way following an ACL rupture then an ACL reconstruction can improve your stability. The procedure can also help you to carry out everyday activities and play certain sports that may not be feasible without it. However, do be aware that your knee is unlikely to ever be as good as it was before your injury occurred.
During the operation, which uses one of several anaesthetic techniques and normally takes between 60 and 90 minutes, your surgeon will make some cuts around your knee area. They may choose to use keyhole surgery (arthroscopy) and look inside your knee using a tiny camera. They will replace your ruptured ACL with an appropriate piece of tissue from another area of your body, which will be fixed into place using special screws or anchors in drilled holes in the bone.
Recovery
You will usually be able to return home on the same day or the day after the operation is performed, although your surgeon may suggest that you wear a knee brace for several weeks. A period of intensive physiotherapy treatment for up to six months is recommended as your knee begins to settle down.
Regular exercise will help you return to your normal daily activities quickly, but do check with your consultant.
References:
EIDO Healthcare Limited – The operation and treatment information on this website is produced using information from EIDO Healthcare Ltd and is licensed by Aspen Healthcare.
The information should not replace advice that your relevant health professional would give you.
ACL reconstruction Consultants
Qualifications
MBChB, BSc (Hons), MRCS, FRCS Ed (Tr & Orth)
Clinical Interests
Sports injuries of the lower limb, knee arthroscopy, ankle arthroscopy, meniscal repair, ACL and ligament reconstruction,...
Qualifications
MBChB, BSc (Hons), MRCS, FRCS Ed (Tr & Orth)
Clinical Interests
Sports injuries of the lower limb, knee arthroscopy, ankle arthroscopy, meniscal repair, ACL and ligament reconstruction,...
Qualifications
BSc MBBS FRCS(Ed) FRCS(Tr & Ortho)
Clinical Interests
Clinical interests include lower limb surgery including total hip and knee replacement and revision of previous hip...
Qualifications
BSc MBBS FRCS(Ed) FRCS(Tr & Ortho)
Clinical Interests
Clinical interests include lower limb surgery including total hip and knee replacement and revision of previous hip...
Qualifications
MBBS (Lond), FRCS(ed), FRCS (eng), FRCS (Tr&Orth)
Clinical Interests
Hip and the knee joint including arthritis and knee ligament and meniscus injuries, Primary hip and knee replacements,...
Qualifications
MBBS (Lond), FRCS(ed), FRCS (eng), FRCS (Tr&Orth)
Clinical Interests
Hip and the knee joint including arthritis and knee ligament and meniscus injuries, Primary hip and knee replacements,...
Qualifications
BMSc(Hons), MB ChB, MRCS, FRCS(Tr&Orth)
Clinical Interests
Hip replacement (Primary, Complex Primary & Revision), knee replacement (Primary, Revision, Partial & Patella...
Qualifications
BMSc(Hons), MB ChB, MRCS, FRCS(Tr&Orth)
Clinical Interests
Hip replacement (Primary, Complex Primary & Revision), knee replacement (Primary, Revision, Partial & Patella...
Qualifications
MBBS, BSc, MRCS, FRCS.
Clinical Interests
Navigated hip and knee replacements. Review of metal on metal hips and resurfacing. The painful hip, the painful knee....
Qualifications
MBBS, BSc, MRCS, FRCS.
Clinical Interests
Navigated hip and knee replacements. Review of metal on metal hips and resurfacing. The painful hip, the painful knee....
