How to Repair a Torn ACL

A torn ACL is a severe condition in which the anterior cruciate ligament of the knee is injured. Tearing your ACL is a common injury, especially for athletes or those who are frequently active. It is a painful and debilitating injury that requires surgery and plenty of rehabilitation. Below are the steps the surgeon often takes in repairing the ACL.

Instructions

Treatment

• 1

  Contact your physician. If you think that you have seriously injured your knee, contact your physician immediately to have it inspected. Your doctor will be able to diagnose the severity of the tear and suggest the proper treatment for the knee.

• 2

  Make an incision over the knee. Once in surgery, the surgeon will make a skilled incision to gain access to the injured tendon.

• 3

  Clear the area. The surgeon will use an arthroscopic shaver to remove any remains of the tendon on the bone. The area must be clear for the surgeon to proceed with fixing the torn tendon.

• 4

  Attach the harvested ligament. In cases that are not as severe, the existing tendon can be sutured back together. In more severe cases, a tendon needs to be harvested from another part of the body. The most commonly harvested tendons are the patellar tendon and the hamstring muscle tendon. After the surgeon screws anchors into the bone, the harvested tendon can be firmly attached.

• 5

  Close the incision. The surgeon will then re-stitch the incision and clean and disinfect the area.

• 6

  Begin the rehabilitation process. After the surgery, a physical therapist can help guide you through the recovery process. While recovery is often slow, it is important to work daily on strengthening the knee and regaining full range of motion. This is often accomplished through strengthening exercises and stretching.