What is ACL reconstruction?
The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is a band of connective tissue within the knee which, when over-stretched can get damaged and tear. This can happen during exercise, or with a sudden turn or movement. The ACL helps to keep the knee stable, and when it is damaged you are unable to play sports or to walk properly.
Although a damaged ACL can repair over time, if it is badly torn it will require reconstruction. ACL reconstruction surgery replaces the torn ligament with new tissue, and it is usually performed arthroscopically, using specialist tools that are inserted and guided by a camera through very small incisions.
Why would you need ACL reconstruction?
ACL reconstruction surgery will be recommended if the patient has badly torn the ligament, or if the patient is young, active and wishes to continue playing sports and being active. Older, less active patients will often be recommended non-surgical treatments. ACL reconstruction also prevents further, worse damage happening to the knee cartilage.
What does ACL reconstruction involve?
During ACL reconstruction, the torn ligament is removed and replaced with a graft of new tissue. This tissue is taken from the patient’s body, such as the hamstring tendon, or the kneecap tendon (patellar tendon).
Sometimes a donated tendon can be used too. The surgeon will drill two holes, called ‘tunnels’ so that the new tendon can be anchored in place. One ‘tunnel’ will be placed above the knee, and the other below it. With time, a new ACL will grow as the knee heals.
How to prepare for ACL reconstruction
Before surgery, the knee is shaved if necessary, any jewellery is removed and a hospital gown is worn. Anaesthesia for ACL reconstruction can either be regional or general.
Post-operative care
After surgery, you will stay in a recovery room for a few hours, until the anaesthesia has worn off. Afterwards, you can return home and rest. You will be given crutches to help with mobility and to keep pressure off the knee.
Depending on your job, it is possible to return after just one week post-surgery. For more physical jobs, sometimes one to four months rest can be required. Intensive exercise is only recommended 6-8 months after surgery. During recovery, physical therapy exercises will help to restore strength to the affected knee.
03-05-2018 10-18-2023ACL reconstruction
Professor Adrian Wilson - Orthopaedic surgery
Created on: 03-05-2018
Updated on: 10-18-2023
Edited by: Conor Dunworth
What is ACL reconstruction?
The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is a band of connective tissue within the knee which, when over-stretched can get damaged and tear. This can happen during exercise, or with a sudden turn or movement. The ACL helps to keep the knee stable, and when it is damaged you are unable to play sports or to walk properly.
Although a damaged ACL can repair over time, if it is badly torn it will require reconstruction. ACL reconstruction surgery replaces the torn ligament with new tissue, and it is usually performed arthroscopically, using specialist tools that are inserted and guided by a camera through very small incisions.
Why would you need ACL reconstruction?
ACL reconstruction surgery will be recommended if the patient has badly torn the ligament, or if the patient is young, active and wishes to continue playing sports and being active. Older, less active patients will often be recommended non-surgical treatments. ACL reconstruction also prevents further, worse damage happening to the knee cartilage.
What does ACL reconstruction involve?
During ACL reconstruction, the torn ligament is removed and replaced with a graft of new tissue. This tissue is taken from the patient’s body, such as the hamstring tendon, or the kneecap tendon (patellar tendon).
Sometimes a donated tendon can be used too. The surgeon will drill two holes, called ‘tunnels’ so that the new tendon can be anchored in place. One ‘tunnel’ will be placed above the knee, and the other below it. With time, a new ACL will grow as the knee heals.
How to prepare for ACL reconstruction
Before surgery, the knee is shaved if necessary, any jewellery is removed and a hospital gown is worn. Anaesthesia for ACL reconstruction can either be regional or general.
Post-operative care
After surgery, you will stay in a recovery room for a few hours, until the anaesthesia has worn off. Afterwards, you can return home and rest. You will be given crutches to help with mobility and to keep pressure off the knee.
Depending on your job, it is possible to return after just one week post-surgery. For more physical jobs, sometimes one to four months rest can be required. Intensive exercise is only recommended 6-8 months after surgery. During recovery, physical therapy exercises will help to restore strength to the affected knee.
Is ACL reconstruction right for you?
By Professor Kuntal Patel
2024-11-14
Rather common among athletes and active people, ACL tears can interrupt your life. Though, sometimes they are less severe and may not require such measures as surgery. Professor Kuntal Patel, a leading consultant orthopaedic surgeon, clearly explains when surgery is required and when it may be avoided. See more
I’ve torn my ACL – do I have to have surgery?
By Mr James Donaldson
2024-11-14
Mr James Donaldson, a leading orthopaedic surgeon, with a lot of experience in dealing with ACL injuries explains what the different treatment options are. See more
ACL injuries: your FAQs
By Mr Jonathan Walczak
2024-11-14
Do you, or someone close to you, feel like an ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) injury is a possibility? Mr Walczak answers common questions regarding the symptoms; who's most at risk; if all ACL injuries require surgery and more. See more
When can I get back to work after ACL reconstruction surgery?
By Mr Ahmad Ali
2024-11-14
Here, Mr Ahmad Ali, a leading orthopaedic surgeon, reveals when one can expect to return to work following an ACL reconstruction, what the typical ACL postoperative rehabilitation period involves, and what the most common associated complications patients may experience after the surgery. See more
Experts in ACL reconstruction
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Mr Ziali Sivardeen
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Mr Arjuna Imbuldeniya
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Mr Fahad Gulam Attar
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Mr Sanjiv Manjure
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Mr Minhal Chatoo
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London International Patient Services (LIPS)
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London International Patient Services (LIPS)
5 Devonshire Place, W1G 6HL, W1G Marylebone LondonExpert in:
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Manchester Road, Rochdale, Lancashire, OL11 4LZ , RochdaleExpert in:
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The Outpatients and Diagnostic Centre at 30 Devonshire Street (HCA)
30 Devonshire St, London W1G 6PU, Central LondonExpert in:
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