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ACL reconstruction is performed arthroscopically with small incisions. A slightly larger incision is used to obtain the graft and drill the tunnel in the tibia. Arthroscopy is performed to evaluate and treat other injuries such as meniscus tears as well as reconstructing the ACL.

 

 

Arthroscopic Surgery of the knee

 

Incision used for hamstring graft harvest and drilling tibial tunnel

 

 

The graft is typically fixed in the tunnels with screws. I prefer to use absorbable screws to avoid any problems after surgery with MRIs.  Also, metal screws may be in the way during repeat surgery if someone re-tears their ACL.

 

Absorbable screw being placed in femoral tunnel next to ACL graft

 

 

The surgery is performed as an outpatient procedure allowing patients to go home the same day. A nerve block is typically used to help with the pain afterwards along with either a spinal or general anesthetic.

 

 

ACL Reconstruction Video 

 

A patellar tendon graft is a common graft used for ACL reconstructions. This graft uses the middle third of the patellar tendon with bone from the patella and bone from the tibia. The pros of this graft are that it has been time-tested and provides excellent knee stability.  Healing of the graft in the bone tunnels occurs faster with bone-to-bone healing versus tendon-to-bone healing. The cons of this graft are that rehabilitation is more painful compared to a hamstring graft or an allograft (donor graft), up to approximately 30% of patients may have persistent pain in the kneecap area or pain with kneeling, there may be a higher rate of arthritis later on, and there may be a higher rate of complications.

 

 

The other common graft is a hamstring graft. There are 5 hamstring muscles and tendons. Two of the tendons, the Semitendinosus and Gracilis, are doubled to create a 4-stranded hamstring graft. The pros of this graft are that rehabilitation is typically much less painful than a patellar tendon graft, it is approximately 50% stronger than a patellar tendon graft, the incidence of kneecap pain or pain on kneeling is extremely low, and return to sport may occur at a higher rate and earlier than with a patellar tendon graft. The cons of this graft are that it does not have bone-to-bone healing in the tunnels, and this graft healing may be delayed versus a patellar tendon graft. Regardless of this biologic difference, studies in general have not shown that knee stability, or return to sport, are compromised by this.  There may be some residual hamstring weakness or soreness in a small percentage of patients.

 

 

An allograft is yet another option and involves using donor tissue. I typically use an Achilles tendon allograft. The advantages of this graft are that it involves no donor site morbidity (pain or functional deficit from using one’s own tissues for a graft), it may be done with a smaller incision, and rehabilitation is typically easier than using an autograft (one’s own tissue). The cons of this graft are there is a small risk of disease transmission with bacteria or viruses such as hepatitis or HIV, there is slower incorporation of an allograft versus an autograft (meaning that the body transforms the graft into a ligament slower when allograft is used), and there may be a low-level immune response leading to higher failure rates with allografts.

 

 

 

The frequency with which each of these grafts is used varies according to surgeon training and preference, region, and even country.  Some studies have shown almost equal use of patellar tendon and hamstring grafts while other studies have shown higher use of allograft.  In Scandinavian countries, the use of hamstring grafts is 61-86% of ACL reconstructions.  It is my opinion that the scientific literature has proven that good results can be obtained with any of these grafts. Other grafts may be used as well with good results. My approach is to evaluate an individual person’s knee injury history, alignment, X-ray and MRI findings, activities, and demands. I can then make a recommendation for a graft based on these important considerations. For example, an athlete such as a catcher who spends much of their time in a squatting position may do well with a patellar tendon graft, but I think they would do much better with a hamstring graft to avoid any potential kneecap issues. Conversely, I think an athlete such as a sprinter and most football players (especially running back, defensive back, and wide receiver) would do better with a patellar tendon graft avoiding any potential issues with hamstring weakness or tightness. Although hamstring tendons have been shown to regenerate following their use as a graft and the incidence of hamstring problems following hamstring grafts is very low, it is probably a risk not worth taking in these individuals.  Someone who has had previous problems with their kneecap and may have some cartilage damage or arthritis of it is probably going to be happier with a hamstring graft or allograft. 

 

My rehabilitation protocol includes using crutches for 7-10 days with partial weightbearing.  Following this, patients may progress to weightbearing as tolerated unless other procedures dictate that we change this protocol. A postoperative brace is used for 6 weeks to protect the graft from injury.   Physical therapy is started several days after the surgery to decrease swelling and improve range of motion. A strengthening program emphasizing core and lower extremity strength is started.  If patients have met their goals, they typically start a jogging program at 12 weeks after the surgery. Return to some sports may occur at 6 months after surgery, but many patients require 9-12 months to achieve satisfactory strength and endurance to return to full, unrestricted activities.   Rehabilitation from injury or surgery is flexible and not based only on time but also on how one progresses through the phases of rehabilitation. Some patients will work very hard and can shorten their recovery time to some extent.