An Overview of ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) Reconstruction
The knee is stabilized by the ACL. It is often torn because of the location of the ligament and the fact that external forces are often exerted on it by activities causing damage. Each individual makes the choice of how to treat damage to the ACL.
Surgery is chosen with such factors as the patients level of activity, age, and the stability of the knee in mind. Additionally, it is necessary to know if other knee structures have experienced damage. Surgery will normally be recommended when it will let the patient return to the previous level of activity.
ACL reconstruction will stabilize the knee. This prevents further damage to the articular cartilage and the menisci (cartilage cushions). Surgery helps in preventing premature deterioration of the knee.
Without exception, ACL reconstruction is performed arthroscopically. I personally prefer to use an autograft-tissue graft. Autograft is a graft harvested from the patient. An allograft, which is harvested from a cadaver is another possibility.
However, I believe these are subject to problems in the long term. Indeed, recent research has shown that patients under the age of 24 who receive an allograft and then participate in an aggressive rehabilitation program are 10-25% more likely to have a high failure rate.
Click here to learn more about knee arthroscopy.
I prefer to use a Patellar Tendon Autograft and an interference screw fixation when I have a patient under thirty years old who does not have any underlying patellofemoral disease. In addition, I prefer Hamstring Autograft (semitendinosis and gracilis combined) using rigid extra-articular fixation (Rapid Loc or Toggle Loc) on the femur and a Washer Loc on the tibia.
If the patient is under age 25, I have been known to use an allograft as long as the patient guarantees he will not engage in aggressive, competitive sports for a full year following the surgery. This period of time gives the allograft a chance to heal. Also, I will use allografts when there is more than one ligament that needs to be reconstructed.
The ACL keeps the knee stabilized and stress at a minimum across the knee joint.
In addition, excessive forward movement of the lower bone of the leg (tibia) in relation to the thigh bone (femur) is prevented by the ACL.
Excessive rotational motion of the knee is also kept under control by the ACL.
Click here to learn more about Dr. Stefan Tarlow, a leading Phoenix Knee Doctor.
The knee is stabilized by the ACL. It is often torn because of the location of the ligament and the fact that external forces are often exerted on it by activities causing damage. Each individual makes the choice of how to treat damage to the ACL.
Surgery is chosen with such factors as the patients level of activity, age, and the stability of the knee in mind. Additionally, it is necessary to know if other knee structures have experienced damage. Surgery will normally be recommended when it will let the patient return to the previous level of activity.
ACL reconstruction will stabilize the knee. This prevents further damage to the articular cartilage and the menisci (cartilage cushions). Surgery helps in preventing premature deterioration of the knee.
Without exception, ACL reconstruction is performed arthroscopically. I personally prefer to use an autograft-tissue graft. Autograft is a graft harvested from the patient. An allograft, which is harvested from a cadaver is another possibility.
However, I believe these are subject to problems in the long term. Indeed, recent research has shown that patients under the age of 24 who receive an allograft and then participate in an aggressive rehabilitation program are 10-25% more likely to have a high failure rate.
Click here to learn more about knee arthroscopy.
I prefer to use a Patellar Tendon Autograft and an interference screw fixation when I have a patient under thirty years old who does not have any underlying patellofemoral disease. In addition, I prefer Hamstring Autograft (semitendinosis and gracilis combined) using rigid extra-articular fixation (Rapid Loc or Toggle Loc) on the femur and a Washer Loc on the tibia.
If the patient is under age 25, I have been known to use an allograft as long as the patient guarantees he will not engage in aggressive, competitive sports for a full year following the surgery. This period of time gives the allograft a chance to heal. Also, I will use allografts when there is more than one ligament that needs to be reconstructed.
The ACL keeps the knee stabilized and stress at a minimum across the knee joint.
In addition, excessive forward movement of the lower bone of the leg (tibia) in relation to the thigh bone (femur) is prevented by the ACL.
Excessive rotational motion of the knee is also kept under control by the ACL.
Click here to learn more about Dr. Stefan Tarlow, a leading Phoenix Knee Doctor.
About the Author:
Dr. Tarlow is a Board Certified Orthopaedic Surgeon with more than 20 years experience focusing on knee surgery. After 19 years of practice, he opened his own clinic, Advanced Knee Care, in Phoenix, Arizona. Click here to learn more about Dr. Tarlow, Phoenix knee surgery and Phoenix ACL Reconstruction.
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