ACL Reconstruction
What are the Treatments Options of an ACL Rupture?
When conservative management fails to provide adequate stability or when individuals desire to return to high-demand activities, surgical intervention becomes necessary for the treatment of ACL tears. Various surgical techniques are available, each with its own advantages and considerations. This information page provides an overview of the surgical options for ACL reconstruction, including ACL reconstruction with BTB (Bone-Patellar Tendon-Bone), Quadriceps, Allograft, and Lateral Extra-Articular Tenodesis.
- Procedure: In this technique, a portion of the patellar tendon, along with bone plugs from the patella and tibia, is harvested and used as a graft to reconstruct the torn ACL.
- Advantages:
- Strong and reliable graft.
- Faster graft incorporation due to bone-to-bone healing.
- Lower risk of graft elongation.
- Considerations:
- Increased risk of anterior knee pain.
- Potential for patellar fracture.
- Longer recovery time compared to other techniques.
- Procedure: This approach involves harvesting a portion of the quadriceps tendon, along with bone blocks, to create the graft for ACL reconstruction.
- Advantages:
- Larger graft diameter compared to BTB, potentially reducing the risk of re-tear.
- Lower risk of anterior knee pain compared to BTB.
- May allow for quicker return to sports.
- Considerations:
- Potential for postoperative quadriceps weakness.
- Procedure: Allograft tissue, obtained from a cadaveric donor, is used to reconstruct the torn ACL.
- Advantages:
- Avoids donor site morbidity associated with autografts.
- Shorter surgical time compared to autograft techniques.
- May be preferred in revision ACL surgeries.
- Considerations:
- Slower graft incorporation compared to autografts.
- Higher risk of graft failure, particularly in young, active individuals.
- Potential risk of disease transmission (minimized with rigorous donor screening protocols).
- Procedure: This technique involves reinforcing the ACL reconstruction by augmenting it with an extra-articular procedure, such as the modified Lemaire or the iliotibial band tenodesis.
- Advantages:
- Provides additional stability, particularly in cases of high-grade pivot-shift instability.
- May reduce the risk of re-tear in high-risk patients, such as those with generalized ligamentous laxity.
- Considerations:
- Increased surgical complexity.
- Potential for overconstraint of the knee.
Why choose Dr. Christian Cruz?
For those in need of ACL reconstruction, Dr. Christian Cruz is a leading knee surgeon in Alexandria, Arlington, and Lanham. Known for his expertise in surgical techniques, Dr. Cruz provides personalized treatment plans to ensure the best possible recovery outcomes. Schedule your appointment now to explore how we can assist you in regaining strength and stability.
At a Glance
Dr. Christian Cruz
- Fellowship trained in Sports Medicine and Shoulder Surgery
- Expertise in complex knee and shoulder reconstruction
- Assistant Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery at Uniformed Services University School of Health Sciences
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