| The ACL or anterior cruciate ligament is one of the | | | | other knee. The piece is positioned and then screwed |
| major ligaments in the knee. Damage to this ligament | | | | into place. This type of surgery is popular with |
| often occurs after a blow to the knee. This often | | | | athletes because it is the fastest way to return the |
| happens in sports related injuries and is seen a lot in | | | | knee to its peak performance. However, it is |
| American football players after experiencing a side | | | | generally very painful. |
| tackle. Other sports such as soccer, skiing, basketball, | | | | The hamstring tendon is similarly locked in place by |
| cheerleading and rugby also have high instances of | | | | screwing end loops of a graft from the hamstring to |
| players suffering ACL injuries. The effects of this | | | | the tibia and femur. The hamstring is not as strong as |
| injury are debilitating and can take an extended | | | | the patellar tendon so it will force use of a brace for |
| period of time for recovery. | | | | approximately two weeks. This will immobilize the |
| To determine if there is an ACL injury there are | | | | knee to allow for healing. This surgery is significantly |
| three common types of tests a physician may | | | | less painful and is a viable option to the patellar |
| employ. The anterior drawer test and Lachman tests | | | | tendon. Over time, studies indicate this surgery is just |
| are where the physician flexes the leg and | | | | as effective but it takes longer for a person to be |
| manipulates the tibia to determine greater movement | | | | able to resume normal activities. |
| than normal. An MRI can also be used to determine | | | | The cadaver surgery is when the tendon is removed |
| damage. If damage is found, a course of treatment | | | | from a cadaver to use in place of the patient's own |
| will be prescribed. Small tears will usually be allowed to | | | | tendons. Because the removal is the most painful |
| heal by naturally, but more severe injuries will require | | | | part of the surgery, this type reduces the post |
| surgery and ACL reconstruction. | | | | operative pain associated with ACL reconstruction. |
| ACL surgery is done arthroscopically, which is a less | | | | Because this is being taken from another body, |
| invasive type of surgery. Only small incisions are | | | | however, there is a risk of rejection that can cause |
| made which can reduce recovery time for the | | | | complications. |
| patient. There are three main types of ACL | | | | ACL reconstructions are commonly performed and |
| reconstruction to graft tissue to the knee. These | | | | are highly successful. Care should be taken to reduce |
| types include patellar tendon, hamstring tendon and | | | | the amount of stress put on the knee from blows, |
| cadaver. | | | | jumping or changing position quickly. Resuming walking |
| The patellar tendon connects the kneecap to the shin | | | | can occur after approximately three weeks, more |
| and is very strong and large. The graft is typically | | | | intense activity after four months, and full recovery |
| made from the injured knee, but in cases of a | | | | is typically complete after six months. |
| possible second surgery this may be taken from the | | | | |