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The Pros and Cons of ACL Reconstruction

One of the most common injuries among athletes and active people is a tear of the anterior cruciate ligament. This ligament, which helps connect the two bones in the leg at the knee, is essential to normal movement. Once a tear occurs, the ACL can be repaired through surgery, but like all medical operations, the procedure has both pros and cons.

  1. The Surgery

    • To repair a tear in the ligament, doctors often borrow from other tissues in the patient's body, such as the hamstring. In reality, this surgery is more a replacement than a repair. The acquired pieces of ligament or tendon are pulled through two surgically drilled holes, one in each of the leg bones, and secured by a cross pin, ensuring the new ACL stays in place. The cross pin is usually made of materials that will dissolve over time as healing proceeds.

    Pros

    • ACL surgery is not absolutely necessary. However, without it, it's highly unlikely that a person would be able to return to high levels of activity, such as intense athletics. With the surgery, 90 percent of patients are able to return to pre-injury activity levels within nine months, according to Dr. Chris Rees, an orthopedic surgeon in Essex, United Kingdom. Also, because it is such a common injury, many doctors specialize in the surgery.

    Cons

    • As with any surgery, complications may develop. Some patients never regain a full range of motion in their knee. Pain and stiffness while walking may accompany the surgery. The physical therapy that follows this surgery usually lasts at least five months. If a person is not seeking to return to a sport or activity that has a high impact on the knee, physical rehabilitation may be a better option than surgery.

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