General Procedure Information
Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) Reconstruction
ACL reconstruction uses a graft to reconstruct a torn ligament. Whether surgery is appropriate depends on instability, associated injuries, sport or work demands and personal goals.
What Is It?
The ACL lies in the centre of the knee and helps control stability during pivoting, stopping and landing. Reconstruction does not simply stitch the original ligament back together; a suitable graft is used to create a new ligament structure. Graft choice and technique require an individual discussion.
When Might It Be Considered?
These are common assessment considerations only; they do not mean that you are necessarily suitable for surgery or the procedure.
- Repeated giving-way or instability affecting pivoting, sport, jumping or work
- Associated meniscus, cartilage or other ligament injury requiring combined assessment
- Higher activity goals where assessment suggests non-operative rehabilitation is unlikely to provide sufficient stability
What Are the Alternatives?
- Some people may first use bracing, activity modification and targeted physiotherapy to improve strength and movement control
- Non-operative and surgical choices should consider degree of instability, sport, work, associated injuries and personal preferences
General Assessment and Procedure Planning
Before surgery, swelling, movement, strength, imaging and associated injuries are reviewed. Reconstruction is commonly arthroscopically assisted; the graft, fixation method and whether a meniscus or cartilage problem is treated at the same time depend on the surgical plan and findings.
Important
Possible Risks and Limitations
All surgery and invasive procedures carry risks. Your actual risk depends on your condition, the scope of the procedure, health and other factors. Your doctor will discuss this individually during informed consent.
- General surgical risks including anaesthetic complications, bleeding, infection, blood clots and injury to nerves or blood vessels
- Knee stiffness, ongoing swelling or pain, graft laxity or re-injury, and not returning fully to the previous level of sport
- Associated meniscus repair or cartilage treatment can change rehabilitation restrictions and risks
General Recovery Approach
ACL rehabilitation progresses by function, not simply the number of months after surgery. It usually advances through wound healing, swelling, movement, walking, strength, balance, jumping and pivoting control; functional assessment is commonly required before returning to pivoting sports.
When Should You Contact the Medical Team Promptly?
- Pain, swelling, redness or warmth becomes suddenly worse after surgery or injury
- Persistent wound bleeding or discharge, marked wound redness or swelling, fever, chills or feeling generally unwell
- New or worsening numbness, weakness, breathing difficulty, chest pain or marked calf pain/swelling
For severe illness, breathing difficulty, chest pain, fainting or inability to travel safely, call 999 or attend an emergency department immediately.
Reference
Hong Kong College of Orthopaedic Surgeons: ACL reconstruction patient education
Would You Like to Discuss Which Treatment Direction May Be Suitable?
Book an orthopaedic assessment to discuss your symptoms, findings, lifestyle needs and treatment goals individually.