Anterior Cruciate Ligament Construction

Why is anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction done?

It is a surgical procedure done to repair injuries to the anterior cruciate ligament, the ligament connecting the upper leg bone (femur) with the lower leg bone (tibia), by using a graft from the patient’s body or a donor to replace the ligament. The injury occurs due to

• partial or complete tear of the ligament
• a separation of the ligament from the upper or lower leg bone (avulsion), or
• a separation of the ligament and part of the bone from the rest of the bone (avulsion fracture).

How is an anterior cruciate ligament repair done?

• The surgeon makes small incisions around the knee and sterile saline solution is pumped into the area to expand and wash the blood, facilitating a better view of the site.
• The surgeon inserts the arthroscope, a thin tube with a light source and camera, which guides the surgical drill to make holes into the upper and lower leg bones in proximity to the knee joint.
• The holes form tunnels through which the graft is pulled through and secured with screws or staples. 
• The incisions are closed with stitches or tape.
• A temporary surgical drain may be put in place after which the knee is bandaged.