CAUSES
- Sporting injury
- Trauma
PREOP
- X-ray
- MRI Scan-Evaluate ACL, meniscus, cartilage, and other ligaments
TREATMENT OF ACL TEARS
- Athletes will need ACL Reconstruction to return to previous level of sport
- Occasionally those who do not participate in sports will choose nonoperative treatment
ACL SURGERY
- The ACL is reconstructed using a graft
- A tunnel is drilled in the tibia and femur in the anatomic location of the ACL and the graft is fixed in the tunnels with screws.
RECOVERY
- 10 days suture removal
- 2-3 weeks brace and crutches
- 4-6 months physical therapy 2 x per week.
- Limp gone at 6-8 weeks
- Alter G running 12 weeks
- Running 4 months
- Cutting 6 months
- Return to Sport 9-12 months depending on cutting mechanics and strength
- Expectation is excellent range of motion and minimal to no pain.
GRAFT CHOICES
- Bone Patella Tendon Bone (BTB)
- Quadriceps Graft
- Hamstring Graft
- Allograft (Cadaver) usually reserved for athletes above 35yo or revision cases
DAY OF SURGERY
- General and local anesthesia
- 2 hour surgery
- Outpatient
WHEN TO HAVE SURGERY?
- After the acute injury ACL pre-rehabilitation for 2-3 weeks gets the knee ready for surgery
SUCCESS RATE
- 95% return to sport
- 5% chance of knee re-injury, similar to injury rate in other knee
- 5 year re-operation rate 10% for all causes.
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ACL Tear
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ACL Tunnel
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ACL Graft
Questions?
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