ACL reconstruction is a surgical procedure aimed at restoring knee stability when the ligament has ruptured and can no longer perform its function properly.
The ACL is essential for controlling certain knee movements and is one of the structures most frequently injured during sports. When it ruptures, the patient may experience instability, a sensation that the knee gives way, and difficulty returning safely to certain physical or sporting activities.
The surgery is performed using arthroscopy and minimally invasive techniques. The injured ligament is replaced with a graft that takes over its function and is fixed in the correct position to restore knee stability.
The choice of graft type and surgical technique is made on an individual basis, considering factors such as age, level of physical activity, type of injury and the needs of each patient.
After surgery, rehabilitation and physical therapy are essential to progressively recover mobility, strength, stability and function of the knee.
It may be considered in patients with:
Not every ACL injury requires surgery. Some patients can be managed adequately with rehabilitation, muscle strengthening and modification of certain activities.
The decision between conservative treatment and surgical reconstruction is made after a specialist evaluation, considering the degree of instability, associated injuries, physical activity and the particular goals of each patient.