Graft Selection in Reconstruction of the Anterior Cruciate Ligament

Only 20 years ago reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) involved an open intra-articular operation in which the graft was placed in a position where it was not anatomical and which involved opening both the medial and lateral capsules. There was a long scar and considerable analgesia was required after the operation. The patient remained in hospital for ten days and in a cast for six weeks. Now, a less invasive procedure allows positioning of the graft to give a full range of movement without impingement and with restoration of stability.