ACL reconstruction surgery is done to repair a torn or ruptured anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), which is one of the main stabilizing ligaments of the knee. Surgical reconstruction of the ACL involves creating a new ACL using grafted tissue from the patient's own body, usually the patella tendon (kneecap) or hamstring, or a from donor tissue. ACL reconstruction surgery is usually done by knee arthroscopy, in which a tiny camera is inserted into the knee through a small incision. The camera is connected to a video monitor in the operating room which the surgeon uses to visualize the ligaments and other tissue during surgery.
ACL reconstruction surgery is an elective procedure that may be considered for several conditions: if the patient has significant pain, if the knee is unstable during daily activities, if the patient can no longer play sports or other activities, or if there is damage to other ligaments as well as the ACL. Rehabilitative therapy may be tried before considering ACL reconstruction
BWH: world-class orthopaedic services, including ACL reconstruction surgery.
The Department of Orthopaedic Surgery at Brigham and Women's Hospital (BWH) provides innovative ACL reconstruction surgery procedures delivered by our world-class orthopaedic program. The program has been repeatedly ranked by US News & World Report as one of the best in the United States. Our expert orthopaedic surgery specialists provide diagnosis and treatment of orthopaedic diseases and injuries of the musculoskeletal system, including the bones and joints of the arms, legs, and spine, and nerves, ligaments, tendons, and muscles.
BWH offers many innovative joint arthroplasty (surgery to repair or restore a joint) techniques. In addition to ACL reconstruction surgery, other surgical knee procedures performed by our expert orthopaedic surgeons include:
- Cartilage repair for patients with early cartilage damage
- Knee replacement for patients with a severely damaged knee joint from injury or arthritis
- Knee joint repair such as Osteotomy for patients with less severe joint damage or early arthritis
Our staff is also experienced in the treatment of sports injuries and provides joint preservation and replacement for all kinds of joint damage, including shoulder replacement and hip replacement.
ACL reconstruction surgery at BWH
Patients seeking ACL reconstruction surgery for repair of a damaged ACL have access to our staff of more than 40 orthopaedic specialists at four locations in the greater Boston area. At BWH, our orthopaedic surgery staff encourages patients' active participants in their care and recovery while providing patients with expert, comprehensive care.
Learn more about ACL reconstruction surgery at BWH.
