Professor Hopper has performed a vast number of ACL Reconstruction procedures in both amateur and professional athletes with successful returns to sport.
The ACL is the main primary stabiliser of the knee, preventing the shin bone from translating forwards on the thigh bone. ACL injuries are common amongst athletes who participate in high-impact sport and it is often caused by a twist of the knee with the foot planted.
ACL reconstruction is usually performed in patients who have a complete ACL tear and want to return to sporting activity. Surgery is also indicated in patients with a complete or partial tear who have ongoing instability as this can lead to long-term damage to the knee.
The procedure firstly involves the removal of the torn ACL through keyhole surgery. It is normally replaced by taking a graft (usually hamstring or patella tendon) from the patient to substitute the old ACL. Tunnels are drilled in the shin bone and thigh bone to allow the graft to cross the knee and recreate the previous anatomy.
Additional procedures such as meniscal repair or lateral extra-articular procedures to control rotation are often performed at the same time.
ACL repair involves reattachment of the torn ACL to the thigh bone to allow the body to naturally heal in its native position. This is only indicated in certain patients (usually >21 years old and not participating in high impact sports) and certain tear patterns (only applicable with proximal tears).
ACL surgery is normally performed as a day case and physiotherapy commences immediately, focusing on restoring your range of motion and re-activating your quads muscles. Crutches are usually required for 1-2 weeks but no brace is required. The surgical wounds take 2 weeks to heal and a review in the treatment room is required at that stage for removal of staples/stitches.
Full rehabilitation following ACL surgery is particularly important to restore range of motion, strengthen the muscles and re-establish balance to prevent subsequent injuries. Return to contact sport is usually between 9-12 months. At Glasgow Knee Surgery Clinic we have links to several leading physiotherapists within the region and can recommend and liaise directly with them regarding your condition.
