Healthpointe Medical Southern California

Arthroscopic Surgery for ACL Injuries

Orthopedic surgeons perform surgery for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries, which are designed to repair or reconstruct the torn ligament. Keep in mind that there are differences between the repair and reconstruction of ACL injuries, thus, explaining the differences in techniques used for the surgical procedures.

In an ACL reconstruction surgery, your doctor will use a graft in replacing the injured ligament. The graft will come from either of two sources, namely, an autograft from one part of your body (e.g., patellar tendon) or from an allograft from a deceased donor. Both types, nonetheless, have high success rates when performed at the hands of expert Healthpointe surgeons.

In an ACL repair surgery, the torn ACL is reconnected or reattached to the bone. The procedure is usually used for avulsion fractures, which involve the separation of the ACL and a piece of the bone on which it is attached to from the rest of the bone.

In either case, surgeons will decide between using open knee surgery, which involves cutting a larger incision in the affected knee, and arthroscopic surgery. Each type of surgery has its risks and rewards so it’s always best to discuss these matters with your doctors before making your final choice.

Many, if not most, orthopedic surgeons choose arthroscopic surgery because of its numerous advantages. These include:

  • The ease of seeing and working on the interior knee structures with the high-definition camera and light on a thin tube.;
  • The smaller incisions required, in comparison with the large incisions for open knee surgery.;
  • The opportunity to simultaneously perform diagnostic arthroscopy.

But arthroscopic surgery has its risks too, such as the need for regional or general anesthesia. Many people may not be suitable for the operation so, again, be sure to discuss your options with your doctors.

In an arthroscopic ACL reconstruction, your surgeon will make 2-3, perhaps more, small incisions around your affected knee. Your surgeon pumps a sterile saline solution into one incision, which will expand and wash the blood from the affected area. Your doctor then inserts a thin tube with a camera and light (arthroscope) into another incision to look into the interior knee structures.

On the other incisions, your surgeon will insert surgical drills necessary to drill small holes into the bones near the knee joint. The resulting holes are the runnels into which the autograft or allograft will be anchored in place. The incisions will then be closed after the surgery.

Healthpointe’s doctors and surgeons are available for consultations on all ACL injuries; for more information please call (888) 824-5580 or visit www.Healthpointe.net

About Healthpointe

Healthpointe is a leading multidisciplinary healthcare organization offering a full range of medical services in practice locations throughout Southern California (Los Angeles County, Orange County, San Bernardino County, and Riverside County). Healthpointe has locations situated in over 10 cities in Southern California including Garden Grove, which is conveniently located near Stanton, Santa Ana, and Westminster. As a highly regarded musculoskeletal group, we have a personal investment in the highest level of service, and we are proud of our record of excellence over the last four decades with private patients, injured workers, urgent care, personal injuries, and professional and non-professional athletes. Leading our organization is a dynamic team of healthcare professionals who continually strive to be at the forefront of medical innovation and healthcare service delivery. For more information, a complete list of services, and Healthpointe locations, visit www.Healthpointe.net

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