The reconstruction of my anterior cruciate ligament invloved using part of my patellar tendon (which holds the kneecap to the bone) as a graft.
This open surgery is combined with arthroscopy (to look inside the joint and fix the medial and lateral meniscus that I also damaged).
Reconstruction: The Procedure
Arthroscopy:
Using an arthroscope and instruments, the doctor will first identify and treat addditional injuries, such as a torn meniscus. Then, holes are drilled in your bone to prepare for the graft reconstruction.
Obtaining the graft:
The doctor makes an inscision below the kneecap and removes 1/3 of the patellar tendon. This tendon is then inserted into the newly drilled holes.
Fastening the graft:
The graft is fixed in place with screws. A temporary drain, or small tube may be placed in your joint to keep it free of excess fluid. Then the incisions are closed.
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Using an arthroscope and instruments, the doctor will first identify and treat addditional injuries, such as a torn meniscus. Then, holes are drilled in your bone to prepare for the graft reconstruction.
The doctor makes an inscision below the kneecap and removes 1/3 of the patellar tendon. This tendon is then inserted into the newly drilled holes.
The graft is fixed in place with screws. A temporary drain, or small tube may be placed in your joint to keep it free of excess fluid. Then the incisions are closed.