Feature Summary
The ACL is one of the major stabilizing ligaments in the knee. It is a strong rope like structure running from femur to tibia. It prevents the anterior translation of the lower leg and provides the rotational stability of the knee. ACL injury is the most common type of knee injury during sports exercise. It often leads to the feeling of instability of knee.
Overview
When ACL tears, it does not heal by itself. The effect of direct repair is still unsatisfactory. The current treatment of ACL tear is reconstruction, which means replacing the ligament with a graft.
Features
The ACL reconstruction was done to regain the stability of knee.
Procedure
ACL reconstruction is performed arthroscopically with minimal incisions. After the debridement of the torn ligament, tunnels are drilled on the femur and tibia to accept the new graft. The hamstring tendon is harvested as the graft to replace the torn ACL. The graft is then prepared and passed through the drilled tunnels of the bone. The new ligament is then fixed to the bone with absorbable screw or other devices. The other structures inside the knee can be also checked. Any other cartilage or meniscal lesions can be treated. A drain would be placed to prevent joint swelling. The drain would be removed 2 days after surgery. There are only several stitches need to be removed after the surgery.
After the ACL reconstruction, knee protection with a knee brace is required. The doctor will arrange the rehabilitation protocol in the following months.
Notification
Complications are not common but can occur.
- Graft failure
- Joint stiffness
- Infection
- Allergic reactions to medications
- Deep vein thrombosis
- Excessive swelling & Bruising
- Damage to nerves or vessels
- Donor site pain
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| A knee that was viewed arthroscopically. The ACL is invisible due to tear. | ACL reconstruction with graft. | Fixing the graft with screw. |
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| The surgery is performed arthroscopically. | The wound of ACL reconstruction. |
Estimated Cost
For estimated medical costs, please contact International Medical Services Center.