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  • Sponsored Q&A

    What are surgical treatment options?

    Related Topic
    Orthopaedics
    What are my options for an ACL tear surgery?

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  • Dr Aziz Bhimani

    Sponsor

    As an Orthopaedic Surgeon, I specialise in all aspects of hip and knee surgeries. Over the course of more than 10,000 surgeries, I have established … View Profile

    Rebuilding the ligament: Most ACL tears cannot be sutured (stitched) back together, so to surgically repair the ACL and restore knee stability the ligament must be reconstructed. Dr Bhimani will replace your torn ligament with a tissue graft. This graft acts as scaffolding for a new ligament to grow on.

    Grafts can be obtained from several sources. Often they are taken from the patellar tendon, which runs between the kneecap and the shinbone. Hamstring tendons at the back of the thigh are a common source of grafts. Sometimes a quadriceps tendon, which runs from the kneecap into the thigh, is used. Finally, cadaver graft (allograft) can be used.

    There are advantages and disadvantages to all graft sources. You should discuss graft choices with Dr Bhimani to help determine which is best for you.

    Because the regrowth takes time, it may be six months or more before an athlete can return to sports after surgery.

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