The knee is a complex joint that connects the thigh with the lower leg. The knee joint and its ligaments permit flexion, extension, and in certain positions, medial and lateral rotation. It is a common site for sprain and dislocation.
The Anterior Cruciate Ligament or ACL is often injured in sports such as football or skiing. A twist, a direct blow or a fall may easily tear the ligaments. These tearing of the ligaments result in pain and swelling, as well as instability of the knee. You will feel that your knee is giving way, especially when trying to change direction on the knee.
By treating the instability and performing a reconstruction of the ligaments, the risk of developing wear and tear in the knee can be reduced.
Your surgeon can reconstruct a damaged ACL. This can be done by replacing the damaged tissue with a healthy strong tissue (a graft) taken from an area near your knee. This operation is called ACL Reconstruction.
Today, this surgery is most often done using the arthroscope. Two or more incisions will be made to your knee. An arthroscope will be inserted at one of the incision to look into the knee. Some other fine instruments will also be inserted to repair any damages found.
