You may wonder where this tissue will come from. There are a couple of ways to get tissue for an ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) reconstruction. One way is to take the tissue from the patients body. This is called an autograft. The tissue is usually taken from the hamstring or the patellar tendon. This is the tendon at the front of the knee.
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) Reconstruction surgery is normally performed with the use of an arthroscope. To perform knee arthroscopy, your surgeon will create a small poke-hole in your knee and insert a tiny camera. This camera is connected to a video monitor and allows your surgeon to see the inside of your knee.
Your surgeon will examine the ligaments and the cartilage in your knee. If he or she finds that there has been other damage (for example, a meniscus tear) it will be taken care of during your surgery.
The most commonly used anesthesia for arthroscopic knee surgery is general anesthesia. With general anesthesia, you will sleep through your surgery and wake up with a brand new ACL (anterior cruciate ligament)!
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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 that will allow the new ligament to be placed in exactly the same position as the old ligaments. Screws or other surgical fasteners will be used to secure the ligaments into their proper positions. When the surgery is done, your surgeon will place a dressing on your knee.
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.
Complications are rare with this type of surgery; however, they do exist. Some things to keep in mind are the possibility of: Failure to heal, failure to relieve symptoms, stiffness and pain in the knees, continued weakness in the knees, infection at the site of the surgery, nerve damage, and bleeding.
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, Portland ACL Reconstruction and Portland Bicep Injuries.
