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| ANTERIOR CRUCIATE LIGAMENT RECONSTRUCTION |
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| The Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) is the primary stabilizer of the knee. It is a strong fibrous band about the size of your little finger, analogous to a cable. Ligaments are strong bands of tissue that connect one bone to another. The ACL is in the center of the knee joint, and connects the thigh bone (femur) to the shin bone (tibia). |
| The ACL connects and stabilizes the two main bones of the knee joint, and it limits the twisting and forward sliding motion of the knee. It is typically torn when the knee twists abnormally, or is in a collision or accident. Often, a snap or pop is felt as the knee gives out, and is followed by immediate pain and swelling. Almost always, a return to activity is not possible. |
| If you live an active lifestyle, you may want your ACL reconstructed, otherwise you have the risk of future giving out episodes that can lead to degeneration of the knee. The ACL will not heal on its own, it must be surgically repaired (reconstructed). ACL reconstruction is typically done using a graft replacement from your patella tendon or you hamstring tendon. Synthetic grafts have also been used, but they do not work out as well as the human tendons grafts. |
| You may consider having reconstructive ACL surgery if: |
| - your knee is unstable and gives out durng routine or athletic activity |
| - you are a high level athlete, and your knee may be unstable and give out during your sport |
| - you are a young person who is not willing to give up an athletic lifestyle |
| - you want to prevent further knee injury (an unstable knee may lead to injuries of the meniscus and to arthritis) |
| You may consider not having reconstructive ACL surgery if: |
| - your knee is not unstable or painful, and you are able to do activities of your choosing without symptoms |
| - you are willing to give up sports that put extra stress on your knee |
| - you are not involved in sports |
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