Reconstruction of the Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) is a surgery designed to reestablish knee stability and strength after the ligament has been torn.The remnants of the torn ligament must be detached and replaced with a graft tissue harvested from the patient’s body.

1. ACL
Reconstruction
Surgery
Diagnosis
Treatment
Precaution
-Dr. A. M. Rajani
(Consultant Knee and
Shoulder Surgeon )
www.dramrajani.com

2. Reconstruction of the Anterior Cruciate
Ligament (ACL)
Reconstruction of the Anterior
Cruciate Ligament (ACL) is a surgery
designed to reestablish knee stability
and strength after the ligament has
been torn. The remnants of the torn
ligament must be detached and
replaced with a graft tissue
harvested from the patient’s body.
www.dramrajani.com

3. The knee is a hinge joint where the femur,
or thighbone, meets the tibia, or shinbone.
This vital joint is held together by these
four ligaments, which connect bones to
one another:
• Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL)
• Medial collateral ligament (MCL)
• Lateral collateral ligament (LCL)
• Posterior cruciate ligament (PCL)
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4. The ACL runs crossways between the femur
and the tibia and keeps the tibia from slipping
in front of the femur. It also provides
steadiness to the knee when it rotates from
side to side. An ACL tear is one of the most
common knee injuries, particularly among
people who take part in high-impact sports like:
– Basketball
– Football
– Skiing
– Hockey
– Soccer
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5. Diagnosis
The diagnoses can habitually be made
on the history and clinical exam
alone. Analysis reveals shakiness of the
knee, if sufficiently relaxed or not too
painful. An MRI (Magnetic Resonance
Imaging) can be supportive if there is
qualm as well as to look for damage to
other structures within the knee.
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6. Treatment
Initial:
Rest
Elevation
Bandage
Ice
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7. Long Term
Not everybody needs operation. Some
people can compensate for the injured
ligament with strengthening exercises or a
brace. It is strongly recommended to give up
sports including twisting activities, if you
have an ACL injury. Episodes of instability
can cause further harm to important
structures within the knee that may outcome
to early arthritis.
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8. Surgery
Surgical techniques have enhanced
considerably over the last decade, difficulties are
reduced and recovery much faster than in the
past. The operation is performed arthroscopic
ally. The ruptured ligament is detached and then
tunnels (holes) in the bone are pierced to accept
the New graft. This graft which substitutes your
old ACL is taken either from the hamstring
tendon or the patella tendon. There are benefits
& drawbacks of each with the final decision
based on Mumbai knee surgeon’s preference.
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9. The graft is equipped to take the form of a
new tendon and passed from side to side
the drill holes in the bone. The new tendon
is then fixed into the bone with several
devices to hold it into place while the
ligament rebuilds into the bone (typically 7
months).The rest of the knee can be
evidently pictured at the same time and
any other injury is dealt with e.g., meniscal
tears. The wounds are closed and a dry
dressing applied.
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10. Post-Operation Precaution
• Surgery is performed as a day only process or
an overnight stay.
• Any drains will be detached from the knee.
• A splint is sometimes used for ease.
• Leave any water-resistant dressings on your
knee until your post-op evaluation.
• You can put your entire load on your leg.
• You have to put ice on the knee for 25 minutes
at a time, as regularly as possible.
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11. • Post-op review will usually be at 5 to 10 days.
• Physiotherapy can initiate after a few days or can be
prescribed at your first post-op visit.
• If you have any soreness around the wound or
increasing aching in the knee or you have fever or
feel unwell, you should contact your surgeon as
soon as possible.
• You will have pain medication by tablet or in a drip.
• Avoid anti-inflammatories or aspirin for 10 to 15
days.
• You will be seen by a physiotherapist who will show
you to use crutches and show you some easy and
simple exercises to do at home.
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