Each year more than 200,000 people will injure their ACL.  Most injuries of the ACL occur in active individuals between the ages of 15-25.  If the ACL is torn, surgery is normally required to return to full activity.

This summer, I attended a conference at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center on a new ACL reconstruction technique. I am now one of few specialized orthopedic surgeons trained in this new surgical technique, called the “Anatomic ACL Reconstruction Method." The extensive three-day symposium assembled leaders in Sports Medicine at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and educated these physicians on this new technique. The University of Pittsburgh Medical Center is home to one of the largest and most respected orthopedic clinical and research departments in the United States.

Since adopting this new procedure, I've noticed that patients experience less post-operative pain, improved range of motion and better overall results. Anatomic method takes each patient’s individual anatomy into consideration and attempts to restore that natural anatomy. By using a medial portal approach, you are able to put the new graft where the original ligament existed. The results have been phenomenal. Post-operative pain has decreased and my patients are recovering more quickly and returning to activities faster.

The procedure and technique for reconstructing the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in the knee has changed significantly in the past 5-10 years. Unfortunately, when the ACL is injured it cannot be repaired by fixing the original ligament. A “new” ACL must be constructed by grafting tissue from the patient’s body (autograph) or by using tissue from a cadaver (allograft). It has been shown that anatomic graft placement is critical to the success and clinical outcome of ACL reconstruction. Nonanatomic bone tunnel placement is the most common cause of a failed ACL reconstruction. Previously, the new ACL graft was placed too high from its attachment and was at a higher risk of retear than placing the graft lower with this new advancement.

The anatomy of every patient is different.  The “Anatomic Technique for ACL Reconstruction” looks at each patient individually and anchors the ACL to its original anatomical position by using the medial portal approach; therefore keeping the natural anatomy of the knee.  By doing this, the patient is less likely to suffer a repeat tear and is able to return to activities in less time.  It is also believed that using this new method can decrease the risk of developing arthritis later in life. 

For more information or to schedule an appointment, please visit our website:  www.skyvieworthopedic.com, call 973.300.1553 or follow us on facebook.com/skyvieworthopedic.