How Do I Repair the ACL With a Hamstring Graft?
The ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) is located within your knee. An ACL repair, or reconstruction, uses a graft from your own body. In most instances, the reconstruction involves the use of one of your hamstring tendons. If doctors can't obtain a graft from your own body, they can use donor material instead. An ACL surgery is performed on an outpatient basis, unless a complication with the surgery arises.Things You'll Need
- Physical exam
- Blood tests
- Urine test
Instructions
Undergo a physical examination to determine if you're able to have surgery. A physical exam will include your medical history, blood tests and a urine test. If you have a history of heart disease, the doctor may also need an X-ray of your chest.
Meet with a physical therapist before your scheduled surgery. Seeing a physical therapist can help prepare you for the outcome of your surgery, which may include learning how to walk on crutches and the exercises needed to strengthen your knee.
Undergo surgery using either general anesthesia or a spinal anesthesia. Expect the surgeon to make portals, or openings, into your knee for the surgical instruments to be inserted in order to perform the hamstring graft.
Allow your surgeon to place a tube in your knee. This tube provides drainage to prevent fluid retention around your knee.
Let your surgeon place a CPM (continuous passive motion) machine on your knee after your surgery. The machine will use motion to help release stiffness in your knee.
See your surgeon the day after your surgery to have the tube removed from your knee. Get fitted for a knee brace and wear the brace as recommended by your surgeon.