The Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) is one of the four main ligaments that can be found in the knee. More specifically, there are two ligaments inside the joint space within the knee — one of which is the ACL. Let’s take a closer look at how this ligament is often injured and what your doctor can do to repair it.

How does the ACL get torn?

The ACL ligament runs down between the main sets of bones in the knee joint. This injury occurs if a force is applied to the thigh bone. This is an upper force that extends backwards into the knee itself. It forces the thigh backwards relative to the bottom portion of your leg. When this kind of force occurs, this is when an ACL injury most often occurs. Falls, direct impact to your knee and auto injuries (like hitting your knee on the dashboard) are the most common incidences that can cause these ACL injuries to occur. ACL tears are very painful, and unfortunately, they demand a long road to recovery.

How is an ACL injury repaired?

First and foremost, you will need an MRI to reveal the ACL injury. Once your doctor is aware of the specifications relative to your ACL injury, surgery will be required .The torn anterior cruciate ligament is replaced with a piece of tendon from your patella (or knee cap). This particular tendon extends from your knee cap down to the lower portion of your leg. A doctor will remove a portion of that tendon and then stitch up the incision.

Next, your doctor will drill a hole into the knee itself, creating a channel through the lower and upper bone. This creates a space for the doctor to slide the tissue that he or she just cut from the patella tendon. From there, your body will take care of the rest. The body itself begins the natural healing process. Your body will attach and adhere to that newly-inserted tissue. This creates a new ligament within that area of the knee. In the final stages of this injury, the body will heal up and the holes will get filled over with bony material.

After the surgery

You will likely need to be on crutches or wear a brace to help stabilize your knee while it heals. You will need to avoid physical activity for many months until your doctor gives you clearance. Once your doctor clears you to do physical activity, your knee will be back to normal, very much like it was before the ACL injury.

If you have an ACL injury or any other type of injury from a fall or an accident, contact us today at Dwyer Williams Cherkoss Accident Injury Attorneys for a free case evaluation. With over 100 years of combined experience, you can count on our team of dedicated personal injury attorneys to help you receive the compensation that you deserve!