Participation in sporting activities is increasing among young athletes. The intensity with which these participants compete and train also continues to climb. Unfortunately, this can lead to injury. One of an athletes’ most common knee injuries is an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear.
The ACL is a large ligament in the center of the knee that provides stability. When there is damage to the anterior cruciate ligament, the patient experiences a buckling or shifting in the knee. This is detrimental to top athletic performance. An anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction is often recommended to regain function and eventually participate in sports.
The procedure involves removing and replacing the old, damaged ACL with a tendon. This tendon becomes your new anterior cruciate ligament and provides stability to the knee. Reconstructing the ACL involves drilling tunnels or holes in the bone around the knee. The tendon is then placed within those tunnels. The healing process between the tendon and the bone in the tunnels is very important for the long-term success of the new anterior cruciate ligament.
The new fertilized ACL technique uses bone and blood products to promote quicker and more efficient healing between the new ACL and the bone tunnels. In addition to fertilization, an internal brace provides extra stability. The internal brace is a high-strength suture that runs along the new anterior cruciate ligament to protect it during healing.
For additional information on this procedure or to schedule an appointment, call 681-342-3500.
Joseph Fazalare, MD
Orthopaedic Surgeon, Sports Medicine Specialist
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