Injuries to the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in your knee are especially likely if you play certain sports. These injuries can affect your ability to resume your sporting activities, but the board-certified orthopedic surgeons at All American Orthopedic & Sports Medicine Institute in Houston, Texas, can help by performing expert ACL reconstruction. If you have an ACL injury, find out about ACL reconstruction by calling the office or booking an appointment online today.

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ACL Injuries Q & A

What is ACL reconstruction?

ACL reconstruction is a surgical approach to treating a torn anterior cruciate ligament in your knee.

The ACL is at the front of your patella, or kneecap, and is one of four ligaments connecting the bones in your knee joint. The ACL stabilizes the joint and guides the way your knee moves.

Why would I need to undergo ACL reconstruction?

You might need to undergo ACL reconstruction if you completely rupture the ligament. Injuries to the ACL are common, particularly if you play sports where you’re likely to twist your knee or suddenly stop when running.

In many cases, the injury is a sprain where your ACL stretches too far or suffers a partial tear. These types of sprains can heal over time, and the All American Orthopedic & Sports Medicine Institute team can help using expert physical therapy techniques and regenerative medicine injections.

If the ACL tears completely, it can’t repair itself. But that doesn’t necessarily mean you need surgery — older people and those leading a quiet lifestyle may find they can function adequately without ACL reconstruction.

If you severely damage the ACL and need to regain full use of your knee because you lead an active lifestyle, ACL reconstruction is the only solution.

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How is ACL reconstruction performed

To perform ACL reconstruction, the All American Orthopedic & Sports Medicine Institute team uses minimally invasive arthroscopic techniques. An arthroscope is a flexible medical telescope fitted with a camera.

Your provider passes the arthroscope through small holes in your knee and it sends back images of your ACL. Using the arthroscopic images as a guide, the team removes the torn ligament and replaces it with a healthy tissue graft.

The graft typically comes from quadriceps or patellar tendon in your knee. Your provider removes the graft material, then anchors it to your tibia (shin bone) and femur (thigh bone).

How long does recovery take after ACL reconstruction?

It takes a minimum of six months to recover fully after an ACL reconstruction and typically takes around nine months.

You need to follow the detailed rehabilitation program the physical therapists prepare for you following your ACL reconstruction to regain full use of your knee.

To find out more about ACL reconstruction and benefit from the team's experience, contact All American Orthopedic & Sports Medicine Institute. Call or book an appointment online today.