Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) Reconstruction
The most commonly injured ligament is the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL).
It runs across the center of the knee joint diagonally. It aids in anterior-posterior stability and rotational stability of the knee joint. The most common reason for ACL damage is a sports injury. Hard or sudden stopping and changing of direction can cause a partial or complete tear. Symptoms include pain, swelling, knee instability, and subsequent episodes of the knee giving way. Partial ACL tears may not require surgery, but more significant tears may require ACL reconstruction.
ACL reconstruction is used to restore the function and stability of the knee, as well as prevent further damage to cartilage in the knee. After a recovery period and physical therapy, patients are able to return to their sports and activities.
What Types of Grafts Do We Use?
At the Knee Institute at ORTHOKnox, you can expect to be fully examined and diagnosed prior to being recommended for surgery. Once you have decided to go ahead with the procedure, our knee surgeon will discuss your options for the types of grafts to be used for the ligament reconstruction. There are three grafts we often use: the patellar tendon graft, the hamstring graft, and the allograft.
Patellar Tendon Graft
Also known as the bone-tendon-bone or BTB, this commonly used technique harvests the graft with a piece of bone attached on both ends.
Hamstring Tendon Graft
This graft, using part of a hamstring tendon (from the inside of the thigh/knee), requires a different fixation technique than the patellar tendon, but also produces excellent results.
Allograft
Also known as the cadaver graft, the allograft is a popular technique that may be harvested from one of many different tissues depending on the surgeon’s preference. The choices often include patellar tendon bone-tendon-bone, hamstring tendons, Achilles’s tendon, or one of several other soft tissue graft choices.
ACL Surgery in Athens and Knoxville, TN
We look forward to serving you at one of our convenient locations in Knoxville or Athens, Tennessee. Please call our office at (865) 251-3030. You can also submit your appointment request using our convenient online form.