What You Should Know About ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) Reconstruction
When you tear the anterior cruciate ligament in your knee, your doctor will probably recommend ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) Reconstruction surgery. When this is the case, it is important that you understand that the tissue to be used in your surgery can come from a variety of sources.
There are two sources of tissue for ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) reconstruction. One is called autograft. With this option, tissue is taken from the patients own body. The new tissue usually comes from the patellar tendon or the hamstring.
Allograft is another type of graft. This tissue is harvested from a cadaver.
There are both advantages and disadvantages to the use of each type of graft. Your surgeon will determine which type will work best for you.
ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) Reconstruction surgery is normally performed with the use of an arthroscope. To perform knee arthroscopy, your surgeon will create a small poke-hole in your knee and insert a tiny camera. This camera is connected to a video monitor and allows your surgeon to see the inside of your knee.
The surgeon will not only look at the damage that is scheduled for surgery. He or she will also troubleshoot and deal with any other damage that may be present at the time of your surgery.
Several types of anesthesia are used for arthroscopic knee surgery, but you will probably receive general anesthetic. This will allow you to sleep during the surgery. While you are sleeping, your surgeon will replace your ACL (anterior cruciate ligament).
Click here for more on ACL Surgery .
If you will be using an autograft, an incision will be made to remove it. Aside from that, knee surgery using arthroscopy requires only very minimal, small incisions. These are used to remove the damaged ligaments and to place the new ligaments properly.
Your new ligament will be put into place using bone tunnels which will allow the surgeon to place the new ligament in exactly the same location as the old ligament. Once in place, the ligament will be secured with screws or some other type of fastener to prevent it from moving. When your surgery is done, your incisions will be closed, and your knee will be bandaged.
Your surgeon will probably take photos and/or film your operation so that you can watch it on the video monitor after your surgery is done. This technique allows the surgeon to discuss findings with you in detail.
If you have unstable knees, pain in your knees, or your knee gives out on you unexpectedly, you may be referred for ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) reconstruction. Additionally, if you are simply unable to play sports and/or participate in ADL (activities of daily living), ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) reconstruction may be the answer for you.
Complications are rare with this type of surgery; however, they do exist. Some things to keep in mind are the possibility of: Failure to heal, failure to relieve symptoms, stiffness and pain in the knees, continued weakness in the knees, infection at the site of the surgery, nerve damage, and bleeding. - 17274
There are two sources of tissue for ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) reconstruction. One is called autograft. With this option, tissue is taken from the patients own body. The new tissue usually comes from the patellar tendon or the hamstring.
Allograft is another type of graft. This tissue is harvested from a cadaver.
There are both advantages and disadvantages to the use of each type of graft. Your surgeon will determine which type will work best for you.
ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) Reconstruction surgery is normally performed with the use of an arthroscope. To perform knee arthroscopy, your surgeon will create a small poke-hole in your knee and insert a tiny camera. This camera is connected to a video monitor and allows your surgeon to see the inside of your knee.
The surgeon will not only look at the damage that is scheduled for surgery. He or she will also troubleshoot and deal with any other damage that may be present at the time of your surgery.
Several types of anesthesia are used for arthroscopic knee surgery, but you will probably receive general anesthetic. This will allow you to sleep during the surgery. While you are sleeping, your surgeon will replace your ACL (anterior cruciate ligament).
Click here for more on ACL Surgery .
If you will be using an autograft, an incision will be made to remove it. Aside from that, knee surgery using arthroscopy requires only very minimal, small incisions. These are used to remove the damaged ligaments and to place the new ligaments properly.
Your new ligament will be put into place using bone tunnels which will allow the surgeon to place the new ligament in exactly the same location as the old ligament. Once in place, the ligament will be secured with screws or some other type of fastener to prevent it from moving. When your surgery is done, your incisions will be closed, and your knee will be bandaged.
Your surgeon will probably take photos and/or film your operation so that you can watch it on the video monitor after your surgery is done. This technique allows the surgeon to discuss findings with you in detail.
If you have unstable knees, pain in your knees, or your knee gives out on you unexpectedly, you may be referred for ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) reconstruction. Additionally, if you are simply unable to play sports and/or participate in ADL (activities of daily living), ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) reconstruction may be the answer for you.
Complications are rare with this type of surgery; however, they do exist. Some things to keep in mind are the possibility of: Failure to heal, failure to relieve symptoms, stiffness and pain in the knees, continued weakness in the knees, infection at the site of the surgery, nerve damage, and bleeding. - 17274
About the Author:
Dr. Edelson is a Board Certified Orthopaedic Surgeon specializing in sports medicine. His clinic, Sports Medicine Oregon, focuses on athletes of all ages. Click here to learn more about Dr. Edelson, Oregon ACL Surgery and Oregon Athletic Injuries.
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6:29 AM
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