ACL Repair

CAUSES

• Sporting injury
• Trauma

PREOP

• X-ray
• MRI Scan-Evaluate ACL, meniscus, cartilage, and other ligaments
• CT Scan—Evaluate bone if fractured

TREATMENT OF ACL TEARS

• Athletes usually undergo ACL Reconstruction to return to previous level of sport
• Occasionally the native ACL can be repaired when a tibial eminence avulsion has occurred or a Sherman one tear (femoral avulsion) in a recreational athlete

ACL REPAIR SURGERY

• In a tibial eminence fracture the ACL is repaired down to the fracture bed in the tibia using sutures
• In a femoral avulsion, the ACL is reattached with anchors to the bone and an internal brace (heavy collagen suture ) used to augment the repair.

RECOVERY

• 10 days suture removal
• 2-3 weeks brace and crutches
• 4-6 months physical therapy 2 x per week.
• Limp gone at 6-8 weeks
• Alter G running 12 weeks
• Running 4 months
• Cutting 6 months
• Return to Sport 9-12 months depending on cutting mechanics and strength
• Expectation is excellent range of motion and minimal to no pain.