How is it done?
ACL reconstruction generally takes between one and two hours and is performed under general anesthesia, which means you will sleep through the surgery, or spinal block. Patients can have varying diagnoses and pre-existing conditions. Surgeries vary widely and are patient specific. The most common method of ACL repair utilizes a segment of tendon which is removed and then grafted in the same position as the damaged ACL. A three to five inch incision is made in the knee in order to harvest the ligament graft. The rest of the operation is done arthroscopically. The old ACL tissue is removed and the new tendon is pinned in place.