Lecture Notes: Understanding ACL Injuries and Surgical Repair

ACL and Knee Stability

• Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL):
  • One of two key ligaments inside the knee joint.
  • Together with the Posterior Cruciate Ligament (PCL), it stabilizes the knee.
  • Connects the femur to the tibia.
  • Crucial for activities that involve changing directions, especially in sports.
• Function:
  • ACL holds the femur and tibia together during directional changes.
  • Prevents the tibia from moving forward freely, maintaining knee stability.
• Injury Risks:
  • Excessive stress can lead to spraining or tearing the ACL.
  • A torn ACL results in less stable knee, requiring medical attention.

Diagnosis and Imaging

• Examination:
  • Physical exams and imaging techniques such as X-ray and MRI are used to assess ACL injuries.

Surgical Repair Process

• Children's Hospital Colorado:
  • Specializes in surgical techniques that protect growth plates during ACL repair.
  • Growth Plates:
    • Critical for determining future bone length and shape.
    • Protection is vital for children and young athletes still growing.
• Surgical Steps:
  1. Preparation:
     • Small holes and incisions are made for tools and camera insertion.
  2. Examination:
     • Surgeons review knee for additional damage and address as necessary.
  3. Scar Tissue and Torn ACL Removal:
     • Scar tissue and damaged ACL are removed.
  4. New ACL Creation:
     • Typically constructed using tissue connecting the quadriceps and kneecap.
  5. Tunnel Drilling:
     • Tunnels are drilled in the bone, carefully avoiding growth plates.
  6. Placement and Anchoring:
     • The new ACL is placed in the tunnels and securely anchored.
• Outcome:
  • Restores knee stability by securing the tibia.

Post-Surgery Rehabilitation

• Importance:
  • Completing rehab is crucial for safe return to sports and reducing re-injury risk.

Additional Resources

• Sports Medicine Center at Children's Hospital Colorado:
  • Visit their website for more information.