What is Primary ACL Repair?
Traditionally, anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears of the knee are treated by reconstruction using a tendon or ligament autograft (tissue taken from your own body) or an allograft (tissue taken from a donor). Primary anterior cruciate ligament repair is a surgical procedure to repair the torn anterior cruciate ligament of the knee by placing sutures on the damaged anterior cruciate ligament and utilizing a plastic anchor to reattach the anterior cruciate ligament back to the bone from where it ruptured away. In some instances, a strong suture is added as an “internal brace” to safeguard the healing ligament.
Anatomy of the ACL
The anterior cruciate ligament is one of the major ligaments of the knee. It is located in the middle of the knee and runs from the femur (thighbone) to the tibia (shinbone). The ACL prevents the tibia from sliding out in front of the femur. Together with the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL), it provides rotational stability to the knee. An ACL injury is a sports-related injury that occurs when the knee is forcefully twisted or hyperextended. An ACL tear usually occurs with an abrupt directional change when the foot is fixed on the ground or when the deceleration force crosses the knee. Changing direction rapidly, stopping suddenly, slowing down while running, landing from a jump incorrectly, and direct contact or collision, such as a football tackle can also cause injury to the ACL.
Indications for Primary ACL Repair
Some of the indications for primary anterior cruciate ligament repair include:
- Acute proximal anterior cruciate ligament tear/avulsion tears
- Multiligamentous knee injury involving the ACL
- Subsynovial ACL rupture/stretch injury
- Partial ACL rupture or isolated ACL injuries
- Sufficient ACL tissue quality
