ACL Reconstruction

Reconstruction surgery for your anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) stabilizes your knee joint so you can continue engaging in physical activity. Board-certified orthopedic surgeon R. Jeff Grondel, MD, specializes in minimally invasive ACL reconstruction surgery at Ridgeline Orthopedics in Idaho Falls, Idaho. Call Ridgeline Orthopedics or book an appointment online to start planning your ACL reconstruction surgery today.

What is an ACL injury?

Your anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is one of the bands of tissue supporting your knee joint. More specifically, it’s a ligament that connects your thigh bone to your shin bone and keeps the knee stable. Thanks to the ACL, your knee typically doesn’t destabilize when you rotate it a little.

ACL injuries are very common in athletes but can happen to anyone. These injuries tend to happen due to sudden knee motions, including stopping suddenly during quick movement to change directions or jumping and landing. You might feel a pop followed by intense pain and the feeling of joint instability. 

If you injure your knee, Dr. Grondel provides detailed evaluations using state-of-the-art imaging tests at Ridgeline Orthopedics. He can identify an ACL injury and plan treatment right away. 

What is ACL reconstruction?

ACL reconstruction is a type of surgery to replace a torn anterior cruciate ligament. During the surgery, Dr. Grondel removes the torn pieces of your ligament and replaces them with an intact tendon. He either harvests the graft from a tendon in your knee or from a human donor. 

Like other procedures to repair knee injuries, ACL reconstruction can be performed as a minimally invasive procedure. Dr. Grondel uses a technique called arthroscopic knee surgery, which involves smaller incisions than open surgery. 

Through one of the incisions, he uses a slender camera called an arthroscope to get a real-time video feed of the inside of your knee so he can make repairs using small tools through other small incisions. 

Minimally invasive surgery is beneficial because it involves less recovery time, less scarring, and a lower risk of complications than open surgery. 

How should I prepare for ACL reconstruction?

Dr. Grondel evaluates your injury before planning your ACL reconstruction. He gives you specific instructions to follow in the hours, days, and weeks leading up to the surgery, which might include:

• Stopping the use of certain medications
• Stopping smoking
• Fasting for 6-12 hours before the operation
• Undergoing a few weeks of physical therapy
• Taking time off work
• Arranging a ride home for the day of your surgery

After ACL reconstruction, you can expect to use crutches for a while and continue restoring your knee’s strength and motion with physical therapy. 

Call Ridgeline Orthopedics or schedule an appointment online to start planning your ACL reconstruction today.