Knee ligament reconstruction involves the replacement of a torn ligament with a graft that will reproduce the function. Certain ligaments in the knee, like the PCL and MCL, have some ability to heal on their own and may be repaired. Other ligaments, like the LCL and ACL, have very limited healing capabilities and most likely will need to be reconstructed with drill holes and a new piece of tissue (graft). In knee ligament reconstruction, the grafts most likely used are patellar tendon grafts, hamstring grafts, or Achilles grafts. These grafts can be autografts or allografts. Autografts are tissues taken from the patients body. Allografts are tissue taken from a cadaver (dead person). Dr Shepard learned ACL reconstruction during his fellowship with William Clancy MD – the father of modern ACL reconstruction techniques. ACL reconstruction is one of the most common procedures Dr Shepard performs. Each year he performs about 100 knee ligament reconstructions.
Which graft / surgery is right for me?
Not every patient is the same and not every knee injury is the same. Each knee injury and each possible surgery is evaluated on an individual basis. Dr Shepard enjoys spending time with each patient weighing the risks and benefits of all the surgery options with each patient. With each knee reconstruction comes a consideration of graft type, surgery type, anesthesia, pain control, number of tunnels, time off of work / school, time off of sport, and a rehabilitation timeline. Only with a thorough understanding of the risks and benefits of the different surgical techniques can we find the right surgery for you.
ACL with Patellar Tendon Autograft - 5 years after surgery in a Division I NCAA athlete
Normal Anatomy of the Knee Joint
How does the Knee joint work?
Find out more in this web based movie.
Arthroscopy of the knee joint.
Arthroscopy is a surgical procedure in which an arthroscope is inserted into a joint. Arthroscopy is a term that comes from two Greek words, arthro-, meaning joint, and -skopein, meaning to examine.
The benefits of arthroscopy involve smaller incisions, faster healing, a more rapid recovery, and less scarring. Arthroscopic surgical procedures are often performed on an outpatient basis and the patient is able to return home on the same day.
Find out more about Knee Arthroscopy from the following links.
Interactive Movie
Text version
Patient Info handout
Anterior Cruciate Ligament ACL reconstruction
The anterior cruciate ligament is one of the major stabilizing ligaments in the knee. It is a strong rope like structure located in the centre of the knee running from the femur to the tibia. When this ligament tears unfortunately it doesn't heal and often leads to the feeling of instability in the knee.
ACL reconstruction is a commonly performed surgical procedure and with recent advances in arthroscopic surgery can now be performed with minimal incisions and low complication rates.
