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ACL Reconstruction (Patellar Tendon Graft Technique)
ACL Reconstruction (Patellar Tendon Graft Technique)Repairing a torn ACL can ease pain and restore stability and motion to your knee. Your anterior cruciateligament, or ACL, is 1 of 4 ligaments that support your knee joint. It helps hold together your thigh bone, orfemur, and your shin bone, or tibia.During ACL reconstruction, a surgeon replaces the torn ACL with a piece of tissue from another part of thebody or from a donor. One common option is to use tissue from your own patellar tendon. This tendonconnects your kneecap, or patella, to your tibia.First, you will be given anesthesia. This medicine will help you relax and not feel pain. You may fall asleep.Your surgeon will then make an incision, or cut, in the front of your knee to expose the patellar tendon. Theywill remove part of the tendon and some bone where it is attached. This piece of tissue is called a graft. It willreplace your torn ACL.Your surgeon will then make a few more small cuts in your knee. Into these cuts they will insert a camera andtools. The camera, or arthroscope, is a thin tube with a light attached. It lets your surgeon see inside yourknee.Your surgeon will remove your torn ACL. They will drill holes in your thigh and shin bones where the new ACLgraft will be attached. With screws, staples, or other means, your surgeon will then secure the graft to thebones, making a new healthy ACL.After surgery, your care team will put together an exercise rehab plan to help you fully recover.Page 1 ofThis program is for informational purposes only. Publisher disclaims all guarantees regarding the accuracy, completeness,or suitability of this video for medical decision making. For all health related issues please contact your healthcare provider.© The Wellness Network
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