Initial Surgical Procedure for ACL Reconstruction Using the Patellar Tendon Graft

In a previous post, we discussed what we believe to be the best explanation of the mechanism for how anterior cruciate ligament tears occur. This month’s post presents the initial method for treating these types of tears. This series of blogs will present the evolution of where we started and where we are now in our treatment of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries.

Mechanism of Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries

Our posts for the next few months will be a series on our understanding, philosophy and rationale for surgical treatment, progression from ipsilateral to contralateral patellar tendon graft and rehab progression for treating anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears. To start, one must have a good understanding of how the ACL tears. Dr. Donald Shelbourne published a paper regarding this topic in December of 2016.

Multidisciplinary Approach to treatment

The idea of multidisciplinary team approach in the medical fields is not new but is gaining traction in the orthopedic world. Orthopedic geriatricians were early to adopt this approach to manage fractures in the older population and found that the functional outcomes were much better.1,2 This term, multidisciplinary, describes a collaborative work of various health professionals who work together to evaluate and treat an individual patient. They draw on their individual knowledge from their specialty to establish a common goal.

Analyzing ACL Reconstruction Outcomes: Why Measuring Knee Extension Is Critical

It is estimated that there are approximately 200,000 injuries to the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) per year in the US alone with the higher risk sports being soccer, football, and skiing. Individuals who participate in these sports are 10 times more likely to rupture the ACL when compared to other sport activities.