ACL surgery, or anterior cruciate ligament surgery, is a procedure that involves repairing or reconstructing the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in the knee. The ACL is an important soft-tissue structure that connects the femur to the tibia. The surgery is typically performed using minimally invasive arthroscopic techniques, which involve small incisions and the use of fiber optics and small instruments. During the procedure, the torn ligament is replaced with a tissue graft, which can be obtained from the patients own body (such as the patellar tendon or hamstring) or from a deceased donor (allograft) .
The surgery is usually done under general anesthesia and takes about 2 to 2½ hours, and patients can typically go home on the same day as their surgery. After the surgery, patients may need to use crutches and wear a knee brace for a period of time. Rehabilitation and physical therapy are crucial for a successful outcome, and patients are usually required to have follow-up appointments with the surgeon.
ACL reconstruction is the current standard-of-care surgical treatment for ACL tears, and it is recommended for young, active patients and those with associated injuries to other structures in the knee. Nonsurgical treatment may be recommended for older or more sedentary patients and typically involves physical therapy, activity modification, and the use of a brace.
In recent years, there has been a focus on improving surgical techniques and exploring additional procedures that may provide extra rotational stability to the knee and further protect the ACL. Surgeons are also emphasizing rehabilitation after surgery to improve the way a patient moves, thereby lessening stress on the ACL.
