The ACL or "Anterior Cruciate Ligament," is one of two ligaments inside the knee joint. Together, the ACL and PCL or "Posterior Cruciate Ligament," stabilize the knee. The ACL travels from the back to the front of the knee joint and is connected to the femur and the tibia. The ACL plays an important role when you perform activities in sports that require changing direction. When the leg and body change direction, the ACL holds the femur and tibia together. If the knee receives too much stress, the ACL could be sprained or completely torn. Without the ACL, the tibia can now move forward freely, making the knee less stable. To confirm the degree of your ACL injury, the experts the the Sports Medicine Center at Children's Hospital Colorado will perform a physical exam and use imaging like X-ray and MRI. If surgery is required, Children's Hospital Colorado specializes in surgical techniques that repair the ACL while protecting the growth plates around the knee. Growth plates determine the future length and shape of the bone, so protecting them is specifically important to children and young athletes who are still growing. To begin the surgery, your surgeon will create several small holes and an incision for the instruments and the camera. Once inside, your surgeon will examine your knee for any other damage and address it as needed. Your surgeon will remove the remaining scar tissue and torn ACL. Your new ACL can be created from a number of different tissues around the knee. We prefer to use tissue connecting the quadriceps and kneecap. The new ACL is prepared. Then tunnels are carefully drilled in the bone, avoiding the growth plates. Next, the surgeon places the new ACL in the tunnels and securely anchors it within the knee. The new ACL secures the tibia and re-stabilizes the knee. In order to get back to your sport safely and reduce the chances of retear, it's important to complete your post-surgery rehab. To learn more about the Sports Medicine Center at Children's Hospital Colorado, visit the website below.