Anterior Cruciate Ligament Repair
The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is one of the four main stabilising ligaments of the knee. The role of the Anterior Cruciate Ligament is to prevent forward movement of the Tibia from underneath the femur. Damage to this ligament can lead to instability of the knee. Tearing the ACL is usually connected to a traumatic event and is common in high speed sports such as soccer, rugby, tennis or skiing. Symptoms are usually obvious. A loud crack, severe pain, instant swelling of the knee, and a feeling of instability appear almost immediately after the event.
If surgery is required an ACL reconstruction is often the standard treatment. Procedure is usually done arthroscopically (through small incisions in the knee using narrow working instruments and a camera).
A tissue graft is used to replace the torn ligament. After surgery some physiotherapy is required to restore the range of motion of the knee.
