This surgery replaces a torn anterior cruciate ligament (we call it the "ACL") with a graft made from part of the hamstring tendon in your leg.
To begin, you're put to sleep. A small incision is made to reach the hamstring. Parts of the tendon are removed. They are braided together to form the graft.
Next, small openings are made in your skin. One is for an arthroscope. That's a small video device that lets the surgeon see inside your knee. The others are for surgical instruments. We clear away the torn ACL. Then, we drill a tunnel through the bones of your knee. We attach the graft to an implant. We pull the implant and the graft though the tunnel and into position. The implant anchors the graft securely. As your knee heals, the graft will strengthen.
When the procedure is done, your knee is bandaged and stabilized. You're watched in a recovery room, and then you can go home. Follow your care plan for a safe recovery.