What is an ACL revision?
Mr Jackson has extensive experience in ACL revision surgery. An ACL revision (second time) is often a complex scenario and requires careful planning and discussion to have clear goals and expectations. Mostly this will be performed as a single operation but on occasion certain situations demand a 2 stage approach with initial bone grafting. Graft choice and technique will be discussed during your consultation. In addition to the new ACL graft, an additional procedure will usually be performed on the outer lateral side of the knee to improve rotational stability and try to reduce the chance of further episodes. This is called a lateral extra-articular tenodesis (LET) and is performed using a harvested strip of the iliotibial band (ITB).
What is a lateral extra-articular tenodesis (LET)?
In addition to the new ACL graft, an additional procedure will usually be performed on the outer lateral side of the knee to improve rotational stability and try to reduce the chance of further episodes. This is called a lateral extra-articular tenodesis (LET) and is performed using a harvested strip of the iliotibial band (ITB).
There has been a resurgence of interest in this procedure in the last 5 years to try and improve patient results and reduce re-tears. In general, Mr Jackson will offer this for all revision ACL cases and occasionally in a high risk individual having a primary first time ACL reconstruction. The need for having this procedure will be discussed prior to surgical treatments.
What is a multi-ligament reconstruction?
Most ligament injuries and procedures are isolated but when combined become much more challenging to manage. This is an area of significant complexity and needs careful clinical assessment and excellent imaging to help decide on the best approach. Mr Jackson can discuss the most appropriate options providing counsel on expectations and recovery periods which will usually differ from a more straightforward single ligament injury.