Our Health Library information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Please be advised that this information is made available to assist our patients to learn more about their health. Our providers may not see and/or treat all topics found herein. Surgery for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries can help you stabilize your knee and return to activity. You may have: ACL surgery is usually done through arthroscopic surgery. This means your doctor will put a lighted tube with a tiny camera—called an arthroscope, or scope—and surgical tools through small incisions in your knee. Sometimes surgery is done through a larger cut in the knee. This is called open surgery. In reconstruction of a partial or complete tear of the ACL, the best time for surgery is not known. Surgery that's done right away after the injury has been linked with increased fibrous tissue leading to loss of motion (arthrofibrosis) after surgery.footnote 1 Some experts believe that surgery should be delayed until the swelling goes down, you have regained range of motion in your knee, and you can strongly contract (flex) the muscles in the front of your thigh (quadriceps).footnote 1 Many experts recommend starting exercises to increase range of motion and regain strength shortly after the injury. In adults, age isn't a factor in surgery, but your overall health may be. Surgery may not be the best treatment for people with medical conditions that make surgery a greater risk. These people may choose nonsurgical treatments. And they may try to change their activity levels to protect their knees from further injury. Surgery is done under regional (such as spinal) anesthesia or general anesthesia. For anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) surgery, the replacement graft can be harvested from tissue in the patellar (kneecap) region. The surgeon removes the tissue along with a small piece of bone called a "bone block" at each end. The graft is first pulled through the two tunnels that were drilled in the upper and lower leg bones and then secured with screws or staples. For anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) surgery, the replacement graft can be harvested from up to three tendons. The surgeon uses part of the tendon from the semitendinosus muscle and part of the tendon from the gracilis muscle. The graft is pulled through tunnels that were drilled in the upper and lower leg bones. Then the graft is secured with screws or staples. Arthroscopic surgery is often done on an outpatient basis. This means that you don't spend a night in the hospital. Other surgery may require staying in the hospital for a couple of days. You will feel tired for several days. Your knee will be swollen. And you may have numbness around the cut (incision) on your knee. Your ankle and shin may be bruised or swollen. You can put ice on the area to reduce swelling. Most of this will go away in a few days. You should soon start seeing improvement in your knee. To care for your incision while it heals, you need to keep it clean and dry and watch for signs of infection. Physical rehabilitation after ACL surgery may take several months to a year. How long it takes to return to normal activities or sports is different for every person. Your doctor will work with you to help you safely get back to being active again. The goal of ACL surgery is to: Most people who have ACL surgery have reduced pain, good knee stability, and a return to normal activities. But some still have knee pain and instability. A few people may need another surgery (revision ACL reconstruction). Revision ACL reconstruction is generally not as successful as the initial ACL reconstruction. ACL reconstruction surgery is generally safe, but all surgery has risks. Current as of: July 17, 2023 Author: Healthwise Staff Current as of: July 17, 2023 Author: Healthwise Staff Clinical Review Board This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Learn how we develop our content. To learn more about Healthwise, visit Healthwise.org. © 1995-2024 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) Surgery
Surgery Overview
How It Is Done
Bone and knee tissue graft
Hamstring graft
What To Expect
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All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.
Our Health Library information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Please be advised that this information is made available to assist our patients to learn more about their health. Our providers may not see and/or treat all topics found herein. Current as of: July 17, 2023 Author: Healthwise Staff Clinical Review BoardAnterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) Surgery
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.