ACL Reconstruction Surgery

Surgical Treatment of the Anterior Cruciate Ligament

The tear of the ACL or Anterior Cruciate Ligament is common and one of the more serious injuries amongst young people. Also known as an ACL rupture, the injury usually occurs as a result of athletic activity, contact or non contact sport but can happen during other activity or movement of the knee.

ACL reconstruction surgery and treatment can help ensure the joint is stable, a torn ACL cannot heal by itself and will in most cases need to be repaired or reconstructed.

The Surgical Procedure

ACL reconstructive surgery (or repair of the anterior cruciate ligament) is usually done to ensure the most stable knee joint possible. The specifics of what needs to be done will depend on your individual case but in the majority of patients, the ACL is reconstructed ie a new ligament is built. The surgical reconstruction of the ACL is generally done using a graft obtained from another ligament or tendon in the body (usually a tendon from the kneecap or hamstring). A tendon is good substitute for a ligament as the type tissue is very similar. There are some cases where a graft from a donor is required if a graft cannot be obtained from the injured patient themselves.

Raphael Hau has done many ACL reconstructive surgeries and has extensive experience with the procedure. For more information and advice on ACL reconstruction, contact us on (03) 9890 2300.

To book your appointment, Call us now on (03) 9890 2300 or you can visit our clinic today at Epworth Eastern East Wing Tower Suite 13.2, Level 13, 1 Arnold Street, Box Hill, VIC 3128.

What injuries can ACL reconstructive surgery treat?

ACL reconstructive surgery is specifically designed to treat a torn ACL which is generally a result of injury from a high-impact, contact or collision sport.

What are the symptoms of injury to the ACL?

The signs and symptoms of a torn ACL can vary, most commonly the symptoms will include:

Swelling of the knee (caused by bleeding within the joint, usually appears within a few hours of injury)
Knee giving way or similar feeling during day to day activities
Difficulty bending the knee as a result of stiffness or swelling
Knee injury takes several weeks to recover from and still feels unstable.

Not all ACL injuries are the same and ACL reconstructive surgery is something your orthopaedic surgeon can advise you on. To find out more contact Raphael Hau on (03) 9890 2300.

How to prepare for the surgery

Make sure your orthopaedic surgeon has your complete medical history, mention any allergies or illness you may have and be sure to disclose information on all medication or supplements you may be taking. Before an ACL reconstruction surgery, Raphael Hau will advise you in detail on how you can prepare and what care you will need to take after.

Disclaimer: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.