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.
Autograft is the term used to describe a graft that is taken from your body. An autograft is usually taken from part of the tendon that is located on the front of your knee. This is called the patellar tendon. Another place an autograft may be taken is the hamstring.
Another option is to receive an allograft. This is a graft of tissue harvested from a deceased person.
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) is usually performed using arthroscopy. This is a type of surgery that utilizes a miniature camera to image the interior of the knee. The camera is introduced into the knee chamber via a poke-hole or small incision. This method lets the surgeon get a clear view of the knee chamber.
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.
General anesthesia is usually used for ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) reconstruction. With this type of anesthesia, you will sleep through the surgery and wake up when all the work has been done.
Click here for more on ACL Reconstructive Surgery.
Small incisions will be made around your knee so that your surgeon can get your new ligaments into just the right places. A bone shaver or other instrument will be used to remove your damaged ligament. If you will be using your own tissues to replace the damaged tissues, your surgeon will make a larger incision in order to access it.
Your surgeon will create bone tunnels to be used in placing the new ligament in the exact location of the old ligament. Once the bone tunnel is in place, your new ligament will be positioned and attached to the bone with screws or some other form of fastener. This will hold the ligament in its proper place. At the end of surgery, your surgeon will close your incisions and apply a bandage.
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.
Some reasons to consider having ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) reconstruction are: Unreliable knees that give way unexpectedly, unstable or weak knees, pain in the knees, loss of ability to participate in athletic activities or to perform activities of daily living.
As with any surgical procedure, there are some risks involved. Excessive bleeding, nerve damage and infection occasionally occur. Patients also report weak knees and pain and stiffness in the knees. Sometimes, the surgery does not resolve the symptoms. Occasionally, the ligament does not heal.
Autograft is the term used to describe a graft that is taken from your body. An autograft is usually taken from part of the tendon that is located on the front of your knee. This is called the patellar tendon. Another place an autograft may be taken is the hamstring.
Another option is to receive an allograft. This is a graft of tissue harvested from a deceased person.
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) is usually performed using arthroscopy. This is a type of surgery that utilizes a miniature camera to image the interior of the knee. The camera is introduced into the knee chamber via a poke-hole or small incision. This method lets the surgeon get a clear view of the knee chamber.
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.
General anesthesia is usually used for ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) reconstruction. With this type of anesthesia, you will sleep through the surgery and wake up when all the work has been done.
Click here for more on ACL Reconstructive Surgery.
Small incisions will be made around your knee so that your surgeon can get your new ligaments into just the right places. A bone shaver or other instrument will be used to remove your damaged ligament. If you will be using your own tissues to replace the damaged tissues, your surgeon will make a larger incision in order to access it.
Your surgeon will create bone tunnels to be used in placing the new ligament in the exact location of the old ligament. Once the bone tunnel is in place, your new ligament will be positioned and attached to the bone with screws or some other form of fastener. This will hold the ligament in its proper place. At the end of surgery, your surgeon will close your incisions and apply a bandage.
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.
Some reasons to consider having ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) reconstruction are: Unreliable knees that give way unexpectedly, unstable or weak knees, pain in the knees, loss of ability to participate in athletic activities or to perform activities of daily living.
As with any surgical procedure, there are some risks involved. Excessive bleeding, nerve damage and infection occasionally occur. Patients also report weak knees and pain and stiffness in the knees. Sometimes, the surgery does not resolve the symptoms. Occasionally, the ligament does not heal.
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 Reconstruction and Oregon Biceps Injuries.
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