ACL Repair

What is ACL repair?

ACL repair is a surgical procedure to restore and repair the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in the middle of your knee. 

Your ACL works with other cruciate ligaments to stabilize your knee, allowing your knee to move fluidly back and forth. An injured ACL can prevent your knee from working properly as it should, but ACL repair can restore its function.

When might I need ACL repair?

You might need ACL repair if you tear your ACL. The three grades of ACL tears are mild, moderate, and severe:

Mild ACL tear

A mild ACL tear involves overstretching the ligament. You might also suffer tiny tears in the ligament. Mild tears don’t usually require surgery.

Moderate ACL tear

A moderate ACL tear involves some tears in the ligament fibers. It’s a more serious injury than a mild ACL tear that can require surgery to repair.

Severe ACL tear

A severe ACL tear, or rupture, happens when the ACL tears entirely. These tears require surgery to restore the ligament’s function.

Athletes and physically active people are prone to ACL injuries because they often make specific movements like sudden pivots, direction changes, and abrupt stops. But anyone can experience an ACL tear with bad landing, a direct blow to the knee, or another injury.

Some ACL tears, especially mild tears, might not need surgery. But if you want to return to full function after a severe ACL injury, surgery is the best way to achieve your goal.

How does ACL repair work?

ACL repair generally involves several tiny incisions using a minimally invasive procedure called arthroscopy. Dr. Weber uses an arthroscope, a slender tube with a miniature camera on its end, to view your ligament and its surrounding structures from inside the knee.

He then inserts miniature surgical tools to repair the ligament. This usually involves replacing the damaged part of the ligament with a section of healthy tendon. He uses hardware, including screws and pins, to secure the graft.

Eventually, you’ll grow new ligament tissue on top of the graft to restore the ACL, almost like before the injury.

To determine whether ACL repair is right for you, call Alexander E Weber, MD, or schedule an appointment online today.