Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction

Who does this affect? Sportsmen and women are at risk of this injury. It is usually due to a twist or change of direction whilst running. The patient often hears or feels a "pop" and their knee swells within minutes becoming very painful.

Symptoms The anterior cruciate ligament is one of two main ligaments within the knee joint. It can lead to feelings of knee instability, "giving way" pain and long-term knee problems

Investigations  Often a careful assessment by the surgeon is all that is required. MRI Scans are undertaken if there is any doubt.

Non-surgical Treatment Initially, physiotherapy is helpful to stop the knee stiffness and muscle wasting i.e. rehabilitation starts before surgery. If the patient wishes to maintain their pre-injury lifestyle, surgery is recommended. Also, avoiding surgery can result in long-term knee problems of cartilage tears, instability and early arthritis.

Surgical Treatment It cannot be repaired and so is replaced using either hamstring tendons or part of the patellar tendon. Normally, this is undertaken with "keyhole" techniques. Surgery is undertaken in combination with a supervised rehabilitation program designed to return the knee and patient to a high level of activity.