The ACL or Anterior Cruciate Ligament is one of the strong ligaments in the knee that gives stability. Sporting injuries to the knee cause the ligament to rupture requiring surgery to reconstruct it. The graft for the reconstruction is commonly taken from the hamstring muscle tendons or part of the tendon below the knee cap. This is keyhole surgery (arthroscopy) where specially-designed thin instruments are introduced in to the joint and relatively small incisions are made for the harvesting of the graft.
Before your Operation
You may have to attend a pre-admission appointment to assess your suitability for anthesthesia. At this appointment you will also be given a fasting instructions leaflet.
On the Day of Surgery
This is a day case procedure. You will be in hospital for between four and seven hours.
Following your Operation
On returning from theatre your knee will be wrapped up in a compression dressing to reduce swelling. Cold packs may be used to reduce pain and swelling.
Risks Involved
All surgery carries a risk. The knee may become infected. Knee stiffness, recurrence of instability and failure of the repair leading to knee weakness/instability can occur in some patients.
Benefits
The knee will be stable, the pain will decrease and you will be able to move your knee immediately after surgery. The post-operative inflammation usually settles after some time and the main improvements will be seen in the first 6 months.
Alternatives to this Procedure
Some physiotherapy may be beneficial during the early stages of the problem to control pain and strengthen the knee muscles. If instability is a major problem in your daily activities, surgery is an option, but many patients can manage without operation.