5/20/2011

AC-what?

The ACL is one of two central ligaments in the core of the knee. There is the anterior, and the posterior cruciate ligament. The two ligament stabilise the knee in lateral movements and ensure that the knee cap stays in place, and does not put strain the cartilage called menisci.
An ACL can tear for many reasons, but sports such as basketball, football, hockey and handball are extra prone to ACL tears. It is also about 30% more common in girls than in boys. For a first time ACL tear, 90% of the patients can go back to their sport after reconstructive surgery, even if the knee never will be same again. For a second time tear, the percentage drops down to 50% in success rate.

In a first time surgery, the hamstring muscle is most likely used. The hamstring is part of your thigh muscle on the back of your leg, and provides an elastic replacement for the ligament. In a second operation, however, if the hamstring has already been used, the surgeon must look elsewhere for reconstructive tissue. There are three options: a. hamstring from the healthy leg; b. a donated hamstring, so called allograft; or c. patella. The patella is located in the front of the knee, and most commonly used for second time ACL surgeries.

Next: what is the operation?

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