Surgery to rebuild an anterior cruciate ligament is done with an arthroscope using small incisions. You should discuss graft choices with your own orthopaedic surgeon to help determine which is best for you.īecause the regrowth takes time, it may be six months or more before an athlete can return to sports after surgery. There are advantages and disadvantages to all graft sources. Finally, cadaver graft (allograft) can be used. Sometimes a quadriceps tendon, which runs from the kneecap into the thigh, is used. Hamstring tendons at the back of the thigh are a common source of grafts.

Often they are taken from the patellar tendon, which runs between the kneecap and the shinbone. Grafts can be obtained from several sources. This graft acts as a scaffolding for a new ligament to grow on. Your doctor will replace your torn ligament with a tissue graft. To surgically repair the ACL and restore knee stability, the ligament must be reconstructed. Most ACL tears cannot be sutured (stitched) back together. Specific exercises will restore function to your knee and strengthen the leg muscles that support it. As the swelling goes down, a careful rehabilitation program is started. To further protect your knee, you may be given crutches to keep you from putting weight on your leg. Your doctor may recommend a brace to protect your knee from instability. If the overall stability of the knee is intact, your doctor may recommend simple, nonsurgical options.īracing. But nonsurgical treatment may be effective for patients who are elderly or have a very low activity level. Nonsurgical TreatmentĪ torn ACL will not heal without surgery. The less active, usually older, individual may be able to return to a quieter lifestyle without surgery. For example, the young athlete involved in agility sports will most likely require surgery to safely return to sports. Treatment for an ACL tear will vary depending upon the patient's individual needs. It prevents the tibia from sliding out in front of the femur, as well as provides rotational stability to the knee. The anterior cruciate ligament runs diagonally in the middle of the knee. The cruciate ligaments control the back and forth motion of your knee. They cross each other to form an 'X' with the anterior cruciate ligament in front and the posterior cruciate ligament in back. They control the sideways motion of your knee and brace it against unusual movement. The medial collateral ligament is on the inside and the lateral collateral ligament is on the outside. These are found on the sides of your knee. They act like strong ropes to hold the bones together and keep your knee stable. There are four primary ligaments in your knee. Your kneecap sits in front of the joint to provide some protection.īones are connected to other bones by ligaments. Three bones meet to form your knee joint: your thighbone (femur), shinbone (tibia), and kneecap (patella).

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