ACL Surgery

The doctors at Franklin Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine offer the best and most advanced ACL surgery in TN. From athletes to family members, we’ve treated hundreds of ACL tears. Read more about the process below or contact us today!

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(615) 771-1116

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Mon-Thurs: 8AM-5PM | Fri: 8AM-12PM

What Is The ACL?

The anterior cruciate ligament or ACL is one of four primary ligaments that help stabilize the knee and promote normal range of motion in the joint. The ACL connects the lower leg bone (the tibia) with the upper leg bone (the femur).

The ligament is attached to the front side of the tibia and the back side of the femur, crossing at the knee joint with a second large ligament called the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL). ACL injuries are relatively common, especially among athletes. ACL surgery is performed when the ACL ligament is completely torn or when a partial tear is severe and causes instability or other knee symptoms.

What’s The Difference Between ACL Repair & Reconstruction?

In a few instances when a partial tear is relatively minor but still requires surgery, the ACL may be repaired. A repair may also be performed when the ligament and (usually) a small piece off the bone it’s attached to have been torn away (called an avulsion fracture). In this case, the bone fragment is returned to its normal position along with the ligament.

In most cases, ACL reconstruction is required to remove the damaged ligament and replace it with a ligament graft. Most commonly, the graft is taken from elsewhere in your body, like your knee or your thigh. The graft is harvested during your ACL surgery. Less often, a donor graft may be used.

What Happens During ACL Reconstruction Surgery?

There are two approaches for ACL surgery:

Open surgery uses a large incision over the knee to access, remove and replace the ligament.
Arthroscopic surgery uses two or three small incisions around the knee. The surgeon uses a special scope equipped with a camera to see inside the joint, eliminating the need for larger incisions. Special instruments are also used to perform the surgery through these small incisions. Arthroscopic surgery is associated with faster healing and less discomfort compared to open surgery, but it’s not always the best choice.

Most ACL reconstructions are performed arthroscopically. Once the incisions are made, sterile fluid is pumped into the knee to gently expand the joint so the ligament and other structures are easy to see. An arthroscope is inserted into one of the incisions, and the tiny camera sends video images to a viewing monitor so the surgeon can get an “up close” view of the area.

Surgical drills are used to create small holes or tunnels through your leg bones. These channels will hold the ligament graft in place. The prepared graft is “threaded” through the holes, then secured to the bone using screws or staples. Before closing the incision, the surgeon carefully examines the knee to ensure it’s stable and flexible.

What happens after surgery?

Immediately after your surgery, a dressing will be applied to your knee and you’ll be taken to a recovery area for a little while so you can be monitored. Arthroscopic ACL surgery usually is performed on an outpatient basis, but in some cases, you may need to spend a day or two in the hospital. During your recovery, you’ll have physical therapy to promote healing and restore normal function to your knee. Complete recovery usually takes anywhere from six months to a year, but it varies from one person to another.

How Do I Know If I Need ACL Surgery?

Not all ACL injuries require surgery. Our doctors will perform a careful examination of your knee, including diagnostic imaging, to make sure surgery is the best choice for you. If you’re living in Franklin, Brentwood, or the greater Nashville area and you’re suffering from a torn ACL, or simply experiencing pain in your knees, call Franklin Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine at (615) 771-1116 and schedule a consultation today. Our doctors will get you on the road to recovery.

Torn ACL?

We've got you covered! Our doctors are ACL experts. Contact us today to learn how we can help.

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What Our Patients Think

My 5 1/2 yr. old daughter had a fractured elbow and they explained everything in great detail. I highly recommend Franklin Orthopaedics and our family will be returning here from now on!!

I have been here many times over the years. They are always friendly, patient and professional and completely explain their diagnosis and treatment options. I always feel better, usually the same day!

I am healing quite nicely after my rotator cuff surgery. Dr. Greg and staff were wonderful. I never felt I was being rushed. Everything about the procedure was carefully explained to me. I highly recommend Franklin Orthopedics!!

They were careful while getting x-rays and got me in for surgery the next day. They took care of my pain and fixed my arm perfectly! My surgeon actually called me the next day to check on me. I love Franklin Orthopaedics!

Day of surgery he kept my friend informed of how the procedure went and they could not have done a better job. You can tell all of the staff really care about their patients. I would recommend this business to anyone.

Surgery was smooth and recuperation was exactly as they told me. Excellent, caring team and I’m grateful for how thorough they were getting my insurance coverage worked out. Highly recommend this Orthopaedic office.

Appointments

Need to schedule and appointment? Give us a call at (615) 771-1116. Great news…we don’t use an automated system so you’ll be speaking with a real person!

Franklin Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine has served Williamson county for over 20 years. We’re your trusted experts for an active lifestyle.

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