ACL Reconstruction Patellar Tendon Graft

By Drew Heideman, PT, ATC

ACL Reconstruction with Patellar Tendon Graft Technique  

Please watch this Video on ACL Reconstruction with a Patellar Tendon Graft. It repairs your knee after a tear of the anterior cruciate ligament, or the ACL. This ligament is in the center of the knee and helps anchor the femur to the tibia. This surgery can allow you to regain normal knee function.  In preparation for the procedure you are under anesthesia. The surgeon creates a small incision in the front of the knee. This exposes the patellar tendon, a thick band of tissue in front of your kneecap. The surgeon removes a portion of this tendon and some bone from the insertion of the tendon. This tendon or graft will replace your ACL.

ACL Reconstruction Patellar Tendon Graft

Surgery for an ACL

Next, the surgeon creates a series of small openings in your skin. An arthroscope is placed through one of the openings. This is a viewing device which allows the surgeon to see inside the knee. More surgical instruments are inserted through one of the other openings. The MD then removes damaged ACL.  Using a guide pin, the surgeon carefully drills a tunnel through the tibia and femur. The MD puts the new ACL graft through this tunnel and into the correct position. Anchors will hold the new graft in place and over time new tissue will grow along the graft strengthening the ligament.

Next, The knee is put in a post-op brace with bandages.  In post-op, nurses will monitor your for a brief time before you can go home. Your health care provider will give you instructions to help your recovery and schedule you for physical therapy.  Therefore, you should plan accordingly for your rehab program from this surgery.

JOI has many articles related to the ACL and the rehab process.  Therefore, you can search for them at the top of our websites home page.

• Finally, to schedule an appointment for physical or occupational therapy, call 904-858-7045 or call any of the 12 area JOI Rehab Centers.

Related Articles: How Long Does ACL Rehab Take?, Recovery From ACL Surgery and Torn ACL Symptoms.

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JOI Physicians continue to offer online new patient appointments. Make an appointment by calling (904) JOI-2000 or schedule online. This is a new option to make it more convenient to make new patient appointments.  Follow the link below to select your JOI MD and schedule online.