The acronym, ACL, stands for the Anterior Cruciate Ligament. Along with your PCL, LCL, and MCL, the Anterior Cruciate Ligament helps to provide stability to your knee. Due to its attachment on the femur and tibia the ACL resists anterior translation of the tibia, in relationship to the femur. In other words, it prevents your lower leg from sliding forward in relationship to your upper leg.

ACL Surgery

ACL surgery uses Autografts, (which is a tissue or organ that is grafted from one tissue or organ in your body,and subplants that same tissue somewhere else, in your body). For example, ACL surgeries can use a patient's own hamstring or patellar tendon, in place of the torn ACL.

There is a chance, after an ACL recontruction surgery, that there the same person can reinjure their ACL. If this does occur, a person can undergo a second ACL reconstruction. A bone graft may be required, because of holes in the bone, at this point. The new screws in the next ACL recontruction will have to have a firm hold. The bone graft allows for these holes to be filled, so that in consecutive ACL recontruction and the screws in this operation will have a proper, well anchored fit.

What is an Allograft?

An allograft in this instance would be an ACL, or other useful tendon taken from one member of the human species and grafted to a genetically dissimilar person. In an allograft, the anterior tibialis tendon, the Achilles tendon, or the patellar tendon can be used from a cadaver. When using an allograft, there is a possibility that the graft will be rejected. This may lead to another surgery to remove the graft and repeat the reconstruction process.

Recovery

The recovery period for this type of surgery will often include physical therapy, and make use of a well designed knee brace. Your physical therapist will work with you on range of motion (ROM) exercises. ROM exercises are used to regain the flexibility of the ligament. Moreover, ROM exercises are used to help prevent scar tissue from forming, and help maintain muscle tone. - In addition, the use of a post operative knee brace can help provide support to the knee while it is in this vulnerable position. Later on, a functional acl knee brace can be used to help provide meaningful support in activities of daily living. These knee braces can help promote healing, and help to reduce pain in your knee as well.

One of the benefits of a reconstructed ACL, is that there is a high success rate. Studies have revealed that if the ACL re-tears, it will most likely be due to a severe injury, or a traumatic impact. This is not likely to happen, unless you participte in contact sports.

References :

Dictionary.com Unabridged (v 1.1) Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2006.

D'Amato MJ, Rach BR Jr (2003). Anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction in the adult section of Anterior cruciate ligament injuries. In JC DeLee, D Drez Jr, eds., Orthopaedic Sports Medicine, 2nd ed., vol. 2, pp. 2012'2067. Philadelphia: Saunders.

Feller JA, Webster KE (2003). A randomized comparison of patellar tendon and hamstring tendon anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. American Journal of Sports Medicine, 31(4): 564'573.