Knee Surgery: Reconstruction of the Anterior Cruciate Ligament
An Overview of ACL Reconstruction
The ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) is the stabilizer of the knee. It is torn easily because of the extent of activity and stress the knee joint is subjected to on a regular basis and the location of the ligament. Each patient must make the choice as to whether or not his or her ACL damage should be treated surgically.
The choice is based on factors such as the extent of damage to the rest of the knee structure, the knees stability, the activity level and age of the patient. If the patient will be able to return to the pre-injury activity level, surgery is usually recommended.
ACL reconstruction can stabilize the knee and prevent further damage to the articular cartilage and the cartilage cushions, known as the menisci. It can also help in preventing premature knee deterioration.
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 think allografts are subject to problems. Recent research has indicated that patients under age 25 who receive an allograft followed by an aggressive rehabilitation program are 10-25% more likely to have problems.
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.
In a patient under age 25, I will only use an allograft if the patient promises not to engage in aggressive, competitive sports for at least a year after surgery. A full year will give the allograft time to heal. I am also willing to use allografts if I have more than one ligament to reconstruct.
The ACL acts to provide stability for the knee and to keep stress at a minimum across the knee joint:
Excessive forward movement of the tibia (lower bone of the leg) in relation to the femur (thigh bone) is also 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. - 17273
The ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) is the stabilizer of the knee. It is torn easily because of the extent of activity and stress the knee joint is subjected to on a regular basis and the location of the ligament. Each patient must make the choice as to whether or not his or her ACL damage should be treated surgically.
The choice is based on factors such as the extent of damage to the rest of the knee structure, the knees stability, the activity level and age of the patient. If the patient will be able to return to the pre-injury activity level, surgery is usually recommended.
ACL reconstruction can stabilize the knee and prevent further damage to the articular cartilage and the cartilage cushions, known as the menisci. It can also help in preventing premature knee deterioration.
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 think allografts are subject to problems. Recent research has indicated that patients under age 25 who receive an allograft followed by an aggressive rehabilitation program are 10-25% more likely to have problems.
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.
In a patient under age 25, I will only use an allograft if the patient promises not to engage in aggressive, competitive sports for at least a year after surgery. A full year will give the allograft time to heal. I am also willing to use allografts if I have more than one ligament to reconstruct.
The ACL acts to provide stability for the knee and to keep stress at a minimum across the knee joint:
Excessive forward movement of the tibia (lower bone of the leg) in relation to the femur (thigh bone) is also 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. - 17273
About the Author:
Dr. Tarlow is a Board Certified Orthopaedic Surgeon with over 20 years specializing in knee surgery. He opened his own clinic, Advanced Knee Care, with a focus on specialty patient care. Click here to learn more about Dr. Tarlow, Phoenix knee surgery and Phoenix Knee Arthroscopy.
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