Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) Reconstruction

Torn Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) can occur in anyone, especially in athletes who are constantly using their knees.  If ACL is twisted or torn, the knees will be loosened and unable to work normally. It can also create injuries in other parts of the knee such as meniscus tear and articular cartilage injury which will result in untimely knee degeneration.  Therefore, ACL reconstruction is a must, especially for athletes.  Endoscopic surgery for the ACL repair helps restore pro-level career once again. 

In some cases, the surgeon may recommend Lateral Extra – Articular Tenodesis: LET / Anterolateral Ligament Reconstruction: ALL – R in addition to ACL treatment to reduce further injuries in the athletes.

Who Needs ACL Reconstruction?

Specialists may recommend ACL reconstruction if there is any of the following indications:

• Generalized Laxity
• High Grade Pivot Shift
• Knee Hyperextension
• Increase Posterior Tibial Slope
• Young athletes returning to a pivoting sport
• Revision ACLR

Benefits of LET and ALL-R

Studies have shown that anterolateral complex (ALC) is integral to the stability of the knee joints, especially to protect from rotary knee injury secondary to the ACL. In addition, concomitant ALC and ACL injuries have been observed.

LET/ALL-R in conjunction with ALC surgery help stabilize knee joints and reduce trauma to the ACL. Studies in younger patients with high risk of reinjury to the ACL showed that LET/ALL-R help reduce the chance of reinjury to the ACL after surgery.

Moreover, rehabilitation and physical therapy after LET/ALL-R in addition to endoscopic ACL are required in the same manner. A team of multidisciplinary sports medicine specialists will design rehabilitation program that is suitable for each individual after surgery. 

What We Should Know About LET/ALL-R Surgery

• Surgery can take some time and special equipment is necessary
• There will be some scarring on the outer knee
• Some complications include hematoma or over constraint from differential ligament alignment or too taut

Nevertheless, whether treatment requires endoscopic ACL surgery and LET/ALL-R or not, they are aim for the best outcome for the patients and athletes as per FIFA Medical Centre of Excellence standards. A sports medicine professional specialized in endoscopic knee joint surgery will consider multiple factors affecting the patient to assess and offer consultant regarding the most suitable treatment selection for each individual patient so that they can return to their athletic endeavors with full potential again.