ACL Reconstruction

An Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) Reconstruction procedure replaces or repairs the major stabilising ligament of the knee after significant injury or damage. An ACL Reconstruction is usually performed on individuals who have experienced an injury from a high impact/sudden change in direction style injury.

The tell tale signs of a damaged or severed Anterior Cruciate Ligament are significant pain in the knee at the time of injury, combined with a feeling of a distinct 'pop' within the joint. Following on, weight bearing on the effected leg will be impossible without significant pain and buckling accompanied by rapid swelling.

How is an ACL Reconstruction carried out?

ACL can be carried out under a General Anaesthetic or Spinal/Epidural/Regional Anaesthetic (you will be awake). The procedure usually takes around one and a half hours to complete and is performed with a patient positioned on their back on the operating table throughout the procedure. There are two methods of ACL Reconstruction available:

1. Using a portion of the Patellar Tendon to replace the damaged Cruciate Ligament
2. Using the Hamstring Tendon

Both methods have distinct advantages and disadvantages and your individual needs will need careful assessment to determine which is the best method for you. Following on the surgical wounds are closed with absorbable stitches and dressed with a simple dressing.

How long do I have to be hospitalized?

Throughout recovery the emphasis will be on intense physiotherapy and rehabilitation, as the ultimate success of the reconstruction surgery depends on obtaining a full range of joint movement as early as possible after surgery. Following a progressive improvement of mobility and pain control patients are normally discharged home the day after surgery.

Recuperation

Over the next 6 weeks patients will be expected to work on improving their own mobility and range of hip movement through dedicated and progressive physiotherapy and by increasing their daily activity and walking distances.
Your Consultant Surgeon will then assess your joints range of movement after 1 week, 6 weeks and then again after three months. Patients who are in employment should not resume work until after their first consultation and dependant on the physical nature of their job may be advised to take longer off work. Patients should expect a continuous and full physical recovery to take up to nine months to achieve.

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