Sports Medicine & Sports Surgery

Knee Arthroscopy and Ligament Reconstruction

The anterior cruciate ligament is an important stabiliser of the knee and is quite easily injured in both contact as well as non contact sport. If left untreated and over a relatively short period of time, damage to the healthy articular cartilage as well as the menisci (shock absorbers) occurs. At Orion anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction is performed routinely as a day case procedure. It is completely endoscopic and we now use the advanced 'computer assisted surgical' techniques that allow us to obtain precise and accurate graft positioning and isometricity. ACL reconstruction involves the use of either the hamstrings or the patella tendon graft to reconstruct and replace the damaged anterior cruciate ligament. Arthroscopically assisted tunnels are created both in the tibia as well the femur and the graft is passed through the tunnels and fixed with an assortment of metal as well as non absorbable devices. Following surgery the knee is immobilised in splint but the patient is allowed to fully weight bear immediately following surgery. Following surgery there is an intensive rehabilitation programme specifically designed for ACL surgery. The goal is to be able to return to brace-free contact sports between 6 and 9 months following surgery.