A small incision will be made in the front of your knee and the middle portion of the patella tendon will be removed, along with a small piece of bone on either end, or the hamstring tendons will be removed. Using arthroscopic techniques, the damaged ligament will be removed and the femoral notch that the ligament passes through will be enlarged. Small holes will be drilled in your femur and tibia as attachment sites for the new ligament. The tendon will be secured into the bone with tiny screws. You will wake up with your knee in a brace.
Patients go home comfortably the same day of the surgery.
You will be taught to use crutches, given prescriptions for pain medication when the nerve blocks wear off, and given a postoperative booklet for instructions. Physical therapy should begin within a few days of the surgery. This is the most important aspect of your recovery. The surgery may not be successful if the therapy is not completed. It is essential to stay motivated.