An ACL Reconstruction is a surgical procedure performed to repair a torn ACL in your knee. The ACL is one of two ligaments that cross the middle of your knee, the other being the Medial Cruciate Ligament. It connects the bottom of your femur (thigh bone) with the top of your tibia (shin bone).
Indications for surgery:
ACL injuries normally happen because of sports or fitness activities. The most common causes being a sudden stopping or changing of direction on your leg or getting a direct blow to the knee twisting or wrenching the joint and tearing the ligament.
If you have injured your ACL your consultant will discuss with you the viability of repairing the injury and what is the best option for you.
Procedure:
An ACL repair is performed with keyhole surgery to the knee. The surgeon takes a piece of tendon from your thigh and uses it to replace the damaged ligament. Metal anchors are placed into the bones and the tendon is sutured to these.
After Your Surgery:
You will have dressings on your knee after the surgery and this will be changed prior to your discharge.
You will be mobilised by the physiotherapist after your surgery.
You will be shown how to use a frame or crutches while in hospital after your surgery. It is recommended that you plan for not being as mobile as you were prior to the surgery for the first few weeks during your recovery.
Please speak to your consultant regarding any specific questions or queries you have about this surgery and the rehabilitation afterwards. Please also read the Patient Information Booklet on Knee Replacement Surgery available from your consultant or directly from the hospital.
