What Is ACL Repair and How Is It Performed?
ACL repair refers to a surgical procedure used to address a tear or injury of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), one of the major ligaments in the knee that helps stabilize and support movement. The ACL connects the femur (thigh bone) to the tibia (shin bone) and is crucial for activities that involve pivoting, jumping, or running. ACL injuries are commonly sustained in sports like soccer, basketball, and skiing, particularly in high-impact situations. When an ACL tear occurs, the knee becomes unstable, making it difficult to perform daily activities or return to physical sports without risking further damage. The surgical procedure for ACL repair generally involves a minimally invasive approach known as arthroscopy. In this method, small incisions are made around the knee, and a tiny camera, called an arthroscope, is inserted to view the inside of the joint. Using this guided view, the surgeon removes any damaged tissue and replaces the torn ligament with the graft. The graft is carefully positioned and secured to the femur and tibia using screws or other fixation devices. Once the new ligament is in place, the incisions are closed, and the knee is bandaged.
