The surgery is performedarthroscopically(with small incisions) by anorthopedic surgeonunder generalanesthesiain a hospital or surgical center.
After that, you will go to a pre-operative room.
You will then be given anesthesia medication to put you to sleep.
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There are a fewACL graft optionsthat may be considered.
Anallograft(a tendon from a deceased donor) is another option that is commonly used.
A drill is used to make a tunnel in the shin bone.
The new ACL is pulled up into the femoral tunnel so one end can be secured to the femur.
One common way to do this is to use a screw to hold the graft end within the tunnel.
The tibial side of the new ligament is then fixed, similarly to the femoral side.
Again, different materials may be used to fix the graft into position.
Over time, the graft will heal to the surrounding bone, making the fixation devices unnecessary.
If not causing problems, these materials are usually left in place.
A bandage will be placed over the knee.
A friend or family member will need to drive you home.
Upon discharge, your surgeon will give you various post-operative instructions.
The Ohio State Wexner Medical Center.ACL Reconstruction Surgery.
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.Knee arthroscopy.
2017;6(6):e2169-e2175.
doi:10.1016/j.eats.2017.08.011
U.S. National Library of Medicine, MedlinePlus.ACL reconstruction.
2017;6(4):e1159-e1167.
2016;7:CD009772.
American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons.ACL Injury: Does It Require Surgery?
July 2008; 16: 376-384. doi:10.5435/00124635-200807000-00003
