ACL Reconstruction

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.