This case example of ACL Reconstruction demonstrates a common example summarizing indications, surgery, rehab, and functional outcomes.
MRI image of pivot-shift bone bruises sustained at the time of ACL tear.Chief Complaint/Injury
49 year-old male mountain-biker, skier, and fitness enthusiast with acute knee injury.
Workup/Images
History, physical exam, and imaging are consistent with an Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) Tear.
Surgery for ACL Tear
Patient undergoes successful arthroscopic hamstring autograft ACL reconstruction. This is performed with a high-definition fiberoptic video camera to remove the torn, incompetent ACL and create anatomic tunnels on the femur and tibia to place a hamstring graft which becomes the new Anterior Cruciate Ligament.
Intraoperative image of Hamstring ACL ReconstructionResult of ACL Reconstruction
Patient undertakes comprehensive post-operative physical therapy program and returns to mountain bike racing and climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro with his son.
Over 100,000 ACL reconstructions are performed each year in the United States. These procedures are highly effective for patients who want to return to sports requiring pivoting, cutting, and lateral movement. The surgical techniques continue to improve with better knowledge of the true ACL anatomy, medial portal drilling techniques, fixation devices, and rehabilitation protocols. Continued research focuses on how to improve surgical treatment and post-operative rehabilitation of these injuries.
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