Have you injured your anterior cruciate ligament (ACL)? Located in the middle of the knee, the ACL helps hold the knee bones together and prevents the tibia (shinbone) from sliding in front of the femur (thighbone). ACL injuries often occur when someone jumps, suddenly stops, or quickly changes direction, so they tend to be especially common among athletes.

If you believe you might have injured your ACL, you’re probably wondering what treatment will involve and whether surgery might be required. Below, we discuss when an ACL reconstruction is necessary, and we also explain what the procedure typically involves.

When Is an ACL Reconstruction Necessary?

Only a qualified medical provider can determine whether you need to undergo an ACL reconstruction. So, if you think you might have injured this ligament, it’s important to promptly consult with a doctor.

Before deciding whether an ACL reconstruction is necessary, a physician will need to assess the severity of your injury and determine whether you’ve sprained or torn the ligament (ACL sprains occur when the ligament overstretches but remains intact, while ACL tears occur when the ligament fibers partially or completely separate or detach from the bone). ACL sprains usually don’t require surgery and can often be treated with conservative methods, possibly including physical therapy, bracing, and rest. ACL tears, however, are more likely to require surgical intervention.

A medical provider may also consider the following factors when deciding whether to recommend an ACL reconstruction:

• Activity level – If you’re involved in sports or other activities that require you to frequently jump or pivot, you’re more likely to need surgery. Individuals whose jobs involve heavy manual labor may also be candidates for the procedure.
• Quality of life – You may require an ACL reconstruction if your knee frequently gives out or your injury otherwise interferes with your daily routine.
• Age – Age is generally not a consideration among adult patients. However, if the patient is a child, a doctor may recommend holding off on surgery until the child’s growth plates have nearly closed.

What Does an ACL Reconstruction Involve?

During an ACL reconstruction, a surgeon creates a new ACL using tissue from the patient’s own body (autologous tissue) or from a donor (allogeneic tissue). In many cases, ACL reconstructions can be performed using minimally invasive techniques, which can reduce the risk of complications and shorten recovery times. If your physician recommends that you undergo an ACL reconstruction, they’ll tell you about the surgery in greater detail, explain how you should prepare for the procedure, and discuss what you can expect during recovery.

Expertly Performing ACL Reconstructions in Tampa Bay

If you think you might require an ACL reconstruction, entrust your care to the professionals at Tampa Orthopaedic and Sports Medicine Group, a division of Florida Medical Clinic. Our team includes Dr. Daniel Murphy, a board-certified orthopaedic sports medicine surgeon with more than 25 years of experience. We regularly perform ACL reconstructions, and once we’ve met with you and conducted any necessary testing, we’ll be able to let you know whether you’re a candidate for this procedure. Contact us today to schedule a consultation at our Tampa, Florida, clinic.