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ACL Repair & Reconstruction

Knee Treatments

What is ACL Repair/Reconstruction?

ACL Repair or Reconstruction are well-known arthroscopic procedures used to repair a torn ACL and is one of the most commonly performed in orthopaedic surgery. The goal of this procedure is to repair or reconstruct the torn ACL to restore stability to the knee. The ACL is repaired using small sutures and a graft from either your own hamstring or patella tendon to reinforce the newly repaired ligament. The repaired ligament is then threaded through small tunnels in the knee and reattached to its intended position in the knee using small screws.

Depending upon the location of the tear and your specific lifestyle, your Board Certified Orthopaedic Surgeon at OSS Health may recommend either an ACL Repair or an ACL Reconstruction. At OSS Health, our Board Certified Orthopaedic Surgeons have helped thousands of patients return to an active and healthy lifestyle after ACL Surgery.

How is ACL Surgery Performed at OSS Health?

At OSS Health ACL Surgery is performed as an outpatient surgery using an arthroscopic approach.

During an ACL Repair procedure the following steps are performed:

  1. Incisions. 2-3 small incisions are made around the patella. An arthroscopic camera is placed in the incisions and guided into the joint so the torn ACL can be visualized. If the patient’s hamstring muscles are used for the new ACL, a separate incision is made near the top of the shin bone and the hamstring tendons are harvested.
  2. Ligament repair/reconstruction. The torn ACL is trimmed and removed and a tendon graft from your hamstring tendon or patella tendon replaces it by being attached where the damaged ACL was removed.
  3. Reattaching the ligament. The new ACL is threaded through the intended position within the knee. Special devices are used to secure the tendon to the tibia and femur bones.

The incisions are carefully closed and sterilely dressed after a physical examination confirms the new ligament is secure and functional. Your knee is then placed in a comfortable hinge knee brace set to a locked position. Physical Therapy is started as soon as possible and continues throughout recovery to help you recover and regain strength, flexibility, and function. Total recovery time is usually 6-8 months depending on the patient.

Patient Education Center

You can learn more about ACL conditions and treatments by visiting our Patient Education Center. We have a collection of animated videos explaining conditions and different treatments.