ACL Reconstruction Surgery

What is an Anterior Cruciate Ligament?

The knee is made up of bones, ligaments, tendons, and cartilage. The ACL is one of the four major knee ligaments. The ligaments within the knee act as strong ropes that connect bones to other bones. The ACL connects the back of the femur to the front of the tibia and runs diagonally through the middle of the knee. The ACL aids in the stabilization of the knee joint and prevents it from rotating.

What is an ACL tear?

One of the most common knee ligament injuries is an ACL tear. An anterior cruciate ligament, or ACL tear occurs when the ligament becomes partially or completely torn within the knee. Tears can range from minor, partial tears in which the ligament is stretched to severe, complete tears.

Examples of when an ACL tear can occur:

• When the foot is planted with an abrupt change in direction, often seen in cutting or pivoting as seen in sports like football, soccer, basketball and lacrosse.
• When the knee is bent backward (hyperextended) or twisted.
• A direct blow to the knee (especially if it is hyperextended or bent inward.)
• Repeated stress on the knee which can cause the ligament to lose elasticity (like a stretched-out rubber band)

A great majority of ACL injuries are complete or near-complete tears which require surgery to reconstruct. ACL reconstruction restores stability to the knee joint and offers the best chance for the return to an active lifestyle free of pain, with both range of motion and strength restored in the knee. Dr. Joseph Lamplot, orthopedic knee surgeon, treats patients in Arlington Heights, Kildeer, Lake Zurich, Barrington, and the surrounding Northwest Suburbs of Chicago, IL, who have torn their ACL or anterior cruciate ligament.

What is the treatment for an ACL tear?

Immediate first-aid treatment can help reduce pain and swelling after a knee injury by using the R.I.C.E. method consisting of rest, ice, compression and elevation. A completely torn ACL cannot heal on its own and will require surgery.  However, some elderly or less active patients may decide not to have surgery if the other ligaments are healthy and are sufficiently able to stabilize the knee.  Rest and anti-inflammatory medication are the main non-surgical treatments for the associated pain and inflammation following ACL injury. Some patients may also be prescribed a leg brace to wear during activities that put a strain on the knee. Whether or not the patient has ACL surgery, attending physical therapy will also be prescribed by the doctor and is critical to avoid future injury.

How is an ACL or anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction performed?

A torn ACL that cannot be sewn back together, will need to be reconstructed surgically to restore knee stability and range of motion. Arthroscopic ACL reconstruction uses a small camera, which reflects the images inside the knee onto a screen. Dr. Lamplot uses the images to conduct the reconstruction inside the knee.  During arthroscopic ACL reconstruction, Dr. Lamplot makes several small incisions around the knee. One incision is used to insert saline which expands the knee and washes blood from the surgical area. This also allows him to get a better view of the structures within the knee. An arthroscope, or small camera is then placed for visualization. Dr. Lamplot will then drill small holes in the upper and lower leg bones where they meet at the knee joint. The holes create tunnels in which the autograft (tissue from your body) or allograft (tissue from a cadaver) is anchored.  It is important to have an experienced surgeon like Dr. Lamplot perform this type of reconstruction because the tissue graft must be placed in the precise anatomical position of the original ACL.

What is the recovery like after an ACL reconstruction?

After an ACL reconstruction patients return to normal daily activities within a few weeks, jogging within three to four months, and a full return to sports at 9-10 months, but recovery time varies from patient to patient. In general, patients can expect the following:

• On the day of surgery, patients can walk with the assistance of crutches and may be placed in a leg brace.
• Within a few days of surgery, the patient will start a rehabilitation program with an experience physical therapist to regain knee strength, stability, and range of motion.
• The restoration of muscle strength, range of motion, and kinesthetic awareness of the knee joint is used to determine when a patient has fully recovered and is ready to return to sports or strenuous activities.
• Lamplot will prescribe a physical therapy program, tailored to each specific patient’s needs.

ACL Reconstruction Surgeon