Orthopedics Forum - Acl Reconstruction Surgery

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Q: Acl Reconstruction Surgery - the 2 Different Methods

asked by: brokenACL on September 2nd, 2005

New User

Hi guys,

glad to discover this forum!

I sincerely seek some sound advice here! Thanks!

I suffered an acl tear about one month ago. An mri scan confirmed it.
Specialists suggested 2 different methods of acl reconstruction. I am not able to capture the names of the methods! It's too complex

from my understanding:

first method is to use another ligament in my knee to patch the broken ligament and insert some self dissolving screws to hold the bones and the "new ligament" together.

2nd method is to graft one of the ligaments in the hamstring and to patch it over my torn ligament?

Which method is more common? And which method should I adopt? What are the after effects? I'm very active in sports: cycling, taekwondo, soccer.

I wish to get back into sports as soon as possible!

Pls advise! Thanks!! =)

Replies(7)

cartilage_less

replied on September 5th, 2005

New User

Im not sure of the "technical" name of the procedure but I had the first one you had mentioned.I believe its the more common procedure done.Your body heals more efficiently when its "you" they use,so to speak.And when its from the same area of your body,it should be better...Atleast thats what think.Anyway,the fact you lead an active lifestyle will really help you and your recovery.I had my acl repaired back in '90 and I was back in the swing of things about 6 weeks with a knee brace and then back to normal activities(football at the time) in 10 weeks.Im sure the procedure has come a long way since then,so things are probably better now,im sure.

badknees

replied on September 13th, 2005

New User

You also have a third option on the acl graft. I had a replacement 4 weeks ago. The dr used what is called an allograft. It is a organ donor part. It is very safe and much less invassive than the other methods. With in 2 years my acl will have grown over and bridged the allograft. Look into it, it really was worth it

badknees

replied on September 13th, 2005

New User

truckstophero

replied on September 13th, 2005

Experienced User

Tecnology might have improved but I just spent january to april living in hong kong with a person who had acl surgery, he was an avid footballer and it has taken him atleast 3 months to get back to playing soccer. He could walk without crutches after about 2 weeks I think.

But soccer took a while. Lots of physio.

emilymichelle88

replied on October 25th, 2005

New User

I am definately not for the hamstring graft. I had one and within a year and a half I was back on the operating table getting my acl repaired again. Definately look into getting a cadaver graft or a patellar tendon graft. I have done tons of research on acl grafts and these two seem to be the most effective

badknees

replied on October 26th, 2005

New User

I have to say at 10 weeks post op I m doing quite well. The allograft I feel was the best route to go. I am still having some pain by my knee cap but that is from the arthritis. They shaved down the pitted cartilage. The dr still said that it would be 8 months total for healing and to be careful in what sports I wanted to do. What did you do to yours to have to be back in again after such a short time? Was it something simple or extreme?

badknees

replied on October 26th, 2005

New User

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