Introduction
If you’ve suffered an ACL injury in Perth, you are not alone. ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) tears are one of the most common sports knee injuries, especially in athletes playing AFL, netball, soccer, and basketball. While ACL reconstruction surgery is the standard treatment, research has shown that another structure—the anterolateral ligament (ALL)—can also play an important role in knee stability.
At West Coast Orthopaedic Centre in Perth, we perform ACL reconstruction with ALL reconstruction in selected patients to improve knee stability and reduce the risk of ongoing problems.
What Is the Anterolateral Ligament?
The anterolateral ligament (ALL) is a band of tissue on the outer side of the knee that helps control rotation and twisting movements. When both the ACL and ALL are torn, patients often feel their knee “give way” during sport. Adding an ALL reconstruction to ACL surgery can help restore stability, particularly in younger athletes or people involved in pivoting sports.
Why Consider ALL Reconstruction with ACL Surgery?
For some patients, combining ACL and ALL reconstruction may:
- Provide extra rotational stability in the knee
- Reduce the risk of further injury when returning to sport
- Support long-term joint health and function
Your Perth knee surgeon will assess whether ALL reconstruction is recommended based on your activity level, knee examination, and imaging results.
The Surgical Procedure
- ACL reconstruction: A tendon graft is used to replace the torn ACL inside the knee.
- ALL reconstruction: A smaller tendon graft is routed and fixed to mimic the natural ALL on the outer side of the knee.
- Surgery is minimally invasive and usually performed arthroscopically.
- Both procedures are completed in a single operation.
Recovery and Rehabilitation
- Most patients return home the same day or after an overnight stay in Perth hospital.
- Physiotherapy begins immediately to restore motion and strength.
- Walking with crutches is common for 1–2 weeks.
- Return to running is usually possible at 3–4 months.
- Return to sport is generally expected between 9–12 months, depending on recovery progress.
Your recovery will be tailored by your Perth orthopaedic surgeon and physiotherapist to ensure safe and effective rehabilitation.
Risks and Considerations
As with all knee surgery, risks include infection, stiffness, blood clots, or graft re-injury. The addition of ALL reconstruction does not significantly change the overall recovery time, and complications are uncommon.
Who Might Benefit?
- Perth athletes with significant pivoting or twisting instability
- Patients undergoing revision ACL surgery
- Younger, active patients at higher risk of reinjury
- People with generalised ligamentous laxity
Your knee surgeon will discuss whether adding ALL reconstruction is suitable for your situation.
FAQs
How do I know if I need ALL reconstruction with my ACL surgery?
This decision is based on your knee stability, sport type, age, and MRI results. Your surgeon will advise during your consultation.
Is ALL reconstruction available in Perth?
Yes, ALL reconstruction can be performed at the same time as ACL reconstruction by experienced Perth orthopaedic surgeons.
Will I need longer rehab if I have both ACL and ALL reconstructed?
Rehabilitation timelines are very similar to standard ACL surgery.
Take-Home Message
If you are considering ACL reconstruction in Perth, ask your surgeon whether anterolateral ligament reconstruction could benefit you. This combined approach may be recommended for patients with significant instability, high sporting demands, or revision surgery needs.
