Torn ACL - Quadriceps Tendon Graft...Torn ACL - Quadriceps Tendon Graft The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is one of four ligaments that are crucial to the stability of your knee

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Torn ACL - Quadriceps Tendon Graft

The anterior cruciate ligament(ACL) is one of four ligamentsthat are crucial to the stability ofyour knee. It is a strong fibroustissue that connects the femurto the tibia.A partial or complete tear ofyour ACL will cause your kneeto become less stable and feelas though your knee is about togive out.There are a number of differentgraft options to replace yourtorn ACL. Your surgeon willselect the option that is best foryou.

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Torn ACL Reconstruction IntroductionThe anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is one of four ligaments thatare crucial to the stability of your knee. It is a strong fibrous tissuethat connects the femur to the tibia. A partial or complete tear ofyour ACL will cause your knee to become less stable and feel asthough your knee is about to give out. There are a number ofdifferent graft options to replace your torn ACL. Your surgeon willselect the option that is best for you.

IncisionsSmall incisions (portals) are made around the joint. The scope andsurgical instruments will go into these incisions.

VisualizationThe scope is inserted into the knee. Saline solution flows through atube (cannula) and into the knee to expand the joint and toimprove visualization. The image is sent to a video monitor wherethe surgeon can see inside the joint.




ACL RemovalA surgical instrument is inserted into the joint and the torn ACL isremoved.

Graft PreparationUsing a scalpel and motorized tool, a portion of the quadricepsmuscle is removed. One end of the tendon is attached to a plug ofbone from your knee cap. This plug of bone will help anchor whatwill become your new ACL.

Graft InsertionA guide wire is inserted through the tibia and femur to helpaccurately drill tunnels. A surgical drill is inserted over the guidewire and a new tunnel in the femur and tibia is created for yournew ACL Graft. The end of the graft is tied to a loop on the guidewire and the graft is pulled into place.




Securing the GraftA screw is used to secure the plug of bone into the tunnel. The endof the graft that is strictly quad tendon will be secured with a screw,staple, or a number of other fixation devices. Over time the tunnelswill fill in with new bone.

End of ProcedureWith the new ACL in position and secured, the surgicalinstruments are removed and the procedure is completed.



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Torn ACL - Quadriceps Tendon Graft...Torn ACL - Quadriceps Tendon Graft The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is one of four ligaments that are crucial to the stability of your knee