ACL Repair & Reconstruction

What is ACL Repair & Reconstruction?

Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) repair or reconstruction is a well-known arthroscopic procedure used to repair a torn ACL and is one of the most commonly performed in orthopedic surgery. ACL injuries commonly occur during sports or fitness activities that involve quick changes in direction and sudden stops – such as basketball, soccer, football, and gymnastics. The goal of this procedure is to restore stability to the knee lost from the ACL tear.

The ACL is one of the two ligaments that crosses the middle of the knee connecting your thighbone (femur) to your shinbone (tibia) helping to stabilize your knee. If you are young, physically active adult or adolescent, an athlete who plans to continue in your sport, or more than one ligament was damaged in your knee, reconstructive surgery is generally the recommended treatment.  Individuals who are have more sedentary lifestyles may be able to successfully treat an ACL tear without surgery.  

Depending upon the location of the tear and your specific lifestyle, your Board Certified Orthopedic Surgeon at OrthoNeuro may recommend either an ACL Repair or ACL Reconstruction. At OrthoNeuro, our Board Certified Orthopedic Surgeons have helped thousands of patients return to an active and healthy lifestyle after ACL Surgery.

How ACL Surgery is Performed

At OrthoNeuro ACL Surgery is performed as an outpatient surgery using an arthroscopic approach. 

Procedure steps include the following: 

1. Incisions. Two or three small incisions are made around the patella. An arthroscopic video camera is guided into the joint so the torn ligament can be visualized. If the patient’s hamstring tendon is used for the new ACL, a separate incision is made near the top of the shin-bone and the hamstring tendon is harvested.
2. Ligament Repair/Reconstruction. The torn ACL is removed and a tendon graft from your hamstring tendon, patella tendon, or a deceased donor (allograft) replaces it. Special fixation devices are used to secure the tendon to the tibia and femur bones.

The incisions are carefully closed and sterilely dressed after a physical examination confirms the new ligament is secure and functional. Your knee is then placed in a comfortable hinge knee brace set to a locked position. Physical therapy is started as soon as possible and continues throughout recovery to help you recover and regain strength, flexibility, and function. Total recovery time is usually 6-8 months depending on the patient.

Make an Appointment with an OrthoNeuro Orthopedic Knee Surgeon Today! 

• If you have been considering an ACL Surgery, schedule an appointment with one of our Board Certified Orthopedic Knee Surgeons at one of our 7 convenient locations throughout Greater Columbus. 
• We will evaluate your unique lifestyle and goals to determine which type of procedure is best for you. 
• Best of all, most patients can be seen within 24 hours of making an appointment