Overview
The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is one of four ligaments that stabilizes the knee. This tissue is part of a network of tendons and ligaments that stabilize and support the knee. ACL injuries are one of the most common knee injuries.
Athletes who participate in sports like basketball, football, soccer and skiing are likely to injure an ACL. If you have injured your ACL, you may require surgery to regain full function. Your physician will help you decide if reconstructive surgery on your ACL is right for you.
Types of Surgeries for ACL Injuries
If surgery is determined to be the best option, our expert team of surgeons will choose one of these three surgeries for your ACL injury:
Knee Arthroscopy
Knee arthroscopy is a procedure where the surgeon can view the knee through a small camera inserted into small incisions and perform repairs. The procedure usually lasts 30 minutes to over an hour and is usually performed on an outpatient basis.
Arthroscopy for the knee is most commonly used for:
- Removal or repair of torn meniscal cartilage
- Reconstruction of a torn anterior cruciate ligament
- Trimming of torn pieces of articular cartilage
- Removal of loose fragments of bone or cartilage
- Removal of inflamed synovial tissue
Total Knee Replacement
Total knee replacement surgery involves removing damaged cartilage and bone from the knee and inserting new metal and plastic joint surfaces. The new surfaces include three components: a plastic patellar (knee cap) component, a metal femoral component and a metal and plastic tibial spacer. These replacement implants create a smooth surface so the knee joint can function normally again.
Total Knee Revision
Joint replacement surgery has been widely successful, with the procedure improving the patient’s quality of life by easing or eliminating pain, improving range of motion and increasing activity levels. Even so, some implants will fail and require a second procedure, knee revision surgery, often called revision joint replacement surgery. The surgery is a complex procedure, requiring in-depth preoperative planning and specialized implants and tools.
