+61 8 9489 8733

Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) Reconstruction

What is an ACL Reconstruction?

Most ACL ruptures cannot be stitched back together or repaired.

Once the ACL has ruptured, the ligament must be reconstructed to restore knee stability. The torn ligament is replaced with a tissue graft which is harvested from another part of your leg.

Grafts can be obtained from several sources. The most common graft used are one or two of the hamstring tendons at the back of the thigh. The patella (knee cap) tendon or quadriceps tendon are other possibilities. Allograft (or donated tendon) is sometimes an option. All the different grafts have their advantages and disadvantages.

The surgery is done arthroscopically (or keyhole) using small incisions. Tunnels are drilled in specific positions in the femur and tibia that match the anatomy of your native ligament. The graft is then passed into these tunnels and fixed into position.

Recovery

Hospital Stay

Usually you will stay in hospital one night. A physiotherapist will visit you the morning after the surgery when you are in hospital.

Mobilisation

You may need crutches for the first 10 days after the operation. You can take full weight on the leg if you wish.

Knee wound

The wounds should be kept dry until the 2 week mark. It is normal for the knee to be swollen. The swelling will decrease over a period of 2 to 4 weeks following the surgery. It should decrease a little each day.

Pain Relief

Ice packs should be placed on the knee 3 times/day. Take regular Paracetamol (Panadol 1g 3-4 times/day) and anti-inflammatories (Celecoxib 100mg twice daily with food). Use the stronger pain killers (Tapentadol) as required in the first few days.

Follow-up appointment

Your follow-up appointment will be about 2 weeks after the surgery. At this visit your wounds will be checked and sutures will be removed if necessary.

Long-term physiotherapy

Specific physiotherapy is not needed for the first 3-4 weeks following the surgery. You should focus on getting your leg straight and activating the quadriceps muscles. The exercises that you were shown in hospital are all that is required. After the 4 weeks however it is important to see a physiotherapist. This will be required for about 6 months from the time of surgery. It is very important to only carry out activities that are recommended by the physiotherapist. Doing too much too soon may cause problems with the graft fixation. You should postpone returning to twisting/ pivoting sports for 9-12 months. It has been shown that if you wait 12 months the chances of re-injury are lower.

Surgery For Shoulder, Hip and Knee

Conditions For Shoulder, Hip and Knee

Perth
Albany

Enquiry

    WA Orthopaedic Consulting Rooms

    Perth
    St John of God
    Medical Clinic
    Suite 213
    25 McCourt Street,
    Subiaco WA 6008

    Albany
    Great Southern
    Specialist Centre,
    55 Cockburn Rd ,
    Mira Mar WA 6330

    Phone: 08 9489 8733
    Email: blakeney@wcortho.com.au
    Fax: 08 9489 8735

    Perth Orthopaedic Operating Theatres

    St John of God Hospital
    12 Salvado Rd, Subiaco WA 6008