The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is one of the four major ligaments in the knee that provides stability and helps control movement. It is a crucial component of the knee joint and is commonly injured in sports and other physical activities.
What is the ACL?
The ACL is a strong band of tissue located in the center of the knee that connects the thigh bone (femur) to the shin bone (tibia). It helps to control the forward and backward motion of the tibia and keeps the knee stable while walking, running, jumping and pivoting.
How can the ACL be injured?
The ACL is most commonly injured during sports and physical activities that involve sudden stops, changes in direction or excessive twisting. This type of injury can occur when the knee is hit or bumped, when landing from a jump, or when making a quick pivot.
ACL injuries can range from mild sprains to complete tears of the ligament. A complete tear of the ACL often requires surgical reconstruction, while a mild sprain can be treated with physical therapy and rehabilitation.
ACL Reconstruction
ACL reconstruction is a surgical procedure that replaces the damaged ACL with a new ligament. The new ligament is usually taken from a different part of the patient’s own body, such as the hamstring or patellar tendon, or it can be a synthetic substitute.
The surgery is usually performed using arthroscopy, a minimally invasive surgical technique that uses small incisions and specialized tools. During the procedure, the damaged ACL is removed and the new ligament is attached to the femur and tibia using special screws or anchors.
Recovery from ACL reconstruction typically takes several months and involves a rigorous physical therapy and rehabilitation program. The goal of rehabilitation is to regain strength, stability and range of motion in the knee, and to prevent future injury.
HROSM orthopaedic surgeons provide comprehensive treatment plans, from diagnosis, to surgery, to post surgical healing and physical therapy, that is designed to get you back to doing what you love. Contact us for an appointment with one of our dedicated orthopaedic professionals. We can’t wait to hear from you!
