Surgery - Anterior Cruciate Ligament

Top Orthopaedic Surgeon Mr Richard Villar explains Anterior Cruciate Ligament Surgery.

Initially the diagnosis will be confirmed with various tests and MRI scans. Previously extra-articular operations were undertaken although the majority of operations are now Intra-articular where a graft is used, usually from either the patella tendon, or the semitendinosus (hamstring) tendon.

It was previously believed that the ACL did not play a hugely important role in stabilising the knee joint and so ruptured ligaments may have been removed. The importance of the anterior cruciate ligament is now recognised so most active knees tend to be operated on. However, surgery is not undertaken in every case. Whether to have surgery or not is based on the stability at the knee, the patients age and the activities or occupations they are involved in.

Many people choose not to have surgery and to stabilise the knee by building up muscle strength, especially in the quadriceps. Knee braces which work to prevent rotation can also be used. These are particularly popular in high risk activities such as skiing.

Recovery from ACL reconstruction can be expected that within 4-5 months. But even 1 year post surgery the knee may feel almost normal but total perfection can be rare.