Torn ACL – Bone-Patellar Tendon-Bone Graft

www.burkeandbradley.com

Torn ACL – Bone-Patellar Tendon-Bone Graft

The anterior cruciate ligament(ACL) is one of four ligamentsthat are crucial to the stability ofyour knee. It is a strong fibroustissue that connects the femur tothe tibia.A partial or complete tear of yourACL will cause your knee tobecome less stable and feel asthough your knee is about to giveout.

There are a number of differentgraft options to replace your tornACL. Your surgeon will selectthe option that is best for you.

This content is for informational purposes only. It is not intended to represent actual surgical technique or results. The information is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis,treatment or care. Always seek the advice of a medical professional when you have a medical condition. Do not disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking advice if you have read something inthis printout. Copyright © 2012, Understand.com, LLC, All Rights Reserved.

Burke and Bradley Orthopedics


Bone-Patellar Tendon-Bone Graft IntroductionThe anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is one of four ligaments thatare crucial to the stability of your knee. It is a strong fibrous tissuethat connects the femur to the tibia. A partial or complete tear ofyour ACL will cause your knee to become less stable and feel asthough your knee is about to give out. There are a number ofdifferent graft options to replace your torn ACL. Your surgeon willselect the option that is best for you.

Doctor's Personal Note: A Message From Your DoctorThank you for visiting our website and viewing our 3D Animation Library. These animations should

assist you in better understanding your condition or procedure. We look forward to answering any

additional questions you may have at our next appointment.

IncisionsSmall incisions (portals) are made around the joint. The scope andsurgical instruments will go into these incisions.




VisualizationThe scope is inserted into the knee. Saline solution flows through atube (cannula) and into the knee to expand the joint and toimprove visualization. The image is sent to a video monitor wherethe surgeon can see inside the joint.

ACL RemovalA surgical instrument is inserted into the joint and the torn ACL isremoved.

Graft PreparationThe central portion of the patellar tendon is removed using ascalpel and motorized tool. The ends of the tendon are attached toplugs of bone from your patella and tibia. These plugs of bone willhelp anchor what will become your new ACL.




Graft InsertionA guide wire is inserted through the tibia and femur to helpaccurately drill tunnels. A surgical drill is inserted over the guidewire and a new tunnel in the femur and tibia is created for the newACL Graft. The end of the graft is tied to a loop on the guide wireand the graft is pulled into place.

Securing the GraftScrews are used to secure the plugs of bone into the tunnels. Overtime, the plugs of bone will incorporate into the surrounding bone.

End of ProcedureWith the new ACL in position and secured, the surgicalinstruments are removed and the procedure is completed.



Documents

Torn ACL – Bone-Patellar Tendon-Bone Graft