Clinical Definition

One type of knee surgery involves reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament, or the ACL. The ACL is a band of connective tissue that provides stability to the knee. ACL injuries are very common, especially in sports that demand quick stops and starts or rapid changes in velocity, and are often treated surgically. ACL reconstruction involves building the ligaments in the center of the knee with either an autograft or an allograft.

In Our Own Words

The anterior cruciateis ligament (ACL) is one of the four ligaments connected to the knee. Tears to this ligament are a common type of knee injury. Although the ligament can’t be stitched back together, ACL reconstruction is used to “repair” the anterior cruciate ligament and restore proper functioning to the knee. ACL reconstruction usually involves taking a piece of tendon from the patient’s own body or from a donor. The tendon is used to rebuild the damaged ligament.