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For patient information and rehabilitation guidelines
following Anterior Cruciate Ligament reconstruction please download
the following PDF
ANTERIOR CRUCIATE LIGAMENT (ACL) RECONSTRUCTION
This leaflet aims to improve knowledge and understanding
of the rehabilitation involved after anterior cruciate ligament
reconstruction. It includes basic anatomy and information about
the operation itself.
The knee is a complicated joint between the femur (thighbone) and
the tibia
(shinbone). The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) runs from the back
of the femur to
the front of the tibia. It is one of the main restraining ligaments
in the knee and acts
to prevent excessive forward movement of the tibia. Its main function
is to give the
knee stability during rotational movements like twisting, turning
and sidestepping.
The ACL is most likely to be injured in a non-contact twisting movement.
A tearing or
popping sensation is frequently reported at the time of injury and
imediate swelling
is common due to bleeding from the ruptured ligament. Injuries to
the menisci (footballer’s cartilage) or joint surfaces (articular cartilage) can
also occur at the same time.
The ACL also provides important information about balance to the
joint and
surrounding muscles. When it has been torn, it is unable to heal
and the balance
information it carries is also lost. Sometimes, these balance mechanisms
can be
improved with specific exercises and stop the knee giving way. However,
when the
exercises are not enough, then reconstruction of the ACL may become
necessary. It
must be said that reconstructed ligaments can never totally replace
the function of the
original ligament.
If you need further advice please contact
the McNicholas Knee Clinic and arrange a consultation
www.mcnicholaskneeclinic.co.uk
is part of the Premier Surgeons Group ©2007. Disclaimer
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