Overview
When an ACL is torn and surgery is recommended, the ligament can be reattached or replaced. When the torn ligament is reattached it is called a ACL Repair, when the torn ligament is removed and replaced it is called a reconstruction.
The majority of ACL injuries that require surgery need an ACL Reconstruction because the ligament is so badly damage a repair is impossible.
ACL Repair was tried originally many years ago but fell out of favor due to high failures rates. Recently however, with advances in instrumentation, repair techniques and orthobiologics it is has seen a revival.
In certain circumstances, when the ligament is not badly damaged and can be reattached, your orthopedist may recommend an ACL repair.
Proper patient selection and early intervention are keys to a successful repair. Long-term studies comparing both “state-of-the-art” ACL repair to “state-of-the-art” ACL reconstruction are still pending. For the time being ACL Reconstruction remains the gold standard. However, basic science research and early clinical studies are promising and in certain circumstances an ACL repair may be recommended by your orthopedist.