Reconstruction of the Anterior Cruciate Ligaments
The Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) is a ligament in the center of your knee that becomes damaged when twisted too far, such as in a skiing injury. ACL Reconstruction is performed using a combination of open surgery and arthroscopy. |
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The ACL shown above is healthy and firmly attached to the femur and tibia. To the right is a badly torn ACL which will need to be reconstructed. Before the ACL reconstruction process begins, your surgeon will examine your knee arthroscopically, and repair any additional damage to the knee, such as a torn meniscus, or worn articular cartilage. |
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Reconstruction of the ACL begins with a small incision in your leg where small tunnels are drilled in the bone (below, left).
Next your new ACL is brought through these tunnels, and then secured. As healing occurs, the bone tunnels fill in to secure the tendon.
More on ACL Reconstruction: find out where the new ACL comes from >>>
