Arthroscopic ACL surgery is done to reconstruct a completely torn ACL (Anterior Cruciate Ligament).
ACL injuries account for around 40% of all sporting injuries and can lead to long term pain and instability.
Most cases of ACL knee surgery are carried out arthroscopically these days. An arthroscopy is a minimal invasive surgical procedure where a special camera and surgical tools are inserted into the knee through small holes.
Arthroscopic ACL surgery is commonly referred to as “keyhole surgery”. The big advantage is that the surgeon can assess the joint and repair any injuries without needing to fully open the joint. This speeds up recovery due to less trauma to the knee.
Arthroscopic ACL surgery is indicated when there is significant damage to the ACL. The ACL (Anterior Cruciate Ligament) is one of a pair of ligaments in the middle of the knee joint, responsible for providing stability.
It is a very strong ligament but if it gets overstretched, the fibres start to tear. With enough force, it can rupture completely.
Sudden, awkward movements: of the knee e.g. twisting the knee or over extending it
Direct blow: to the outside of the knee when the foot is fixed to the ground e.g. in sportsmen wearing studs
Arthroscopic ACL surgery aims to restore the functional stability of the knee while retaining full range of movement.
If there is more significant damage, or there are ongoing problems with pain and instability, the torn ligament is removed and replaced with a graft, usually taken from your hamstring tendon. This is known as arthroscopic ACL reconstruction surgery.
During arthroscopic ACL surgery, two or three small incisions are made at the side of the knee. A special camera (known as an arthroscope) is inserted through one hole so that the surgeon can see the extent of the damage.
Special tools are then inserted through the other hole and used to reconstuct, remove and replace any damaged tissue. The reconstructed acl is fixed using implants. The joint is then washed out with sterile fluid and closed.
Arthroscopic ACL surgery is not a quick fix. It will be followed by months of rehab to build up the strength and stability of the knee and retrain proprioceptive function.