The latest advancements in ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) surgery are focused on improving outcomes, reducing recovery time, and minimizing the risk of reinjury.
Here are some of the key developments and trends in ACL surgery as of 2024:
1. Biologic Augmentation and Regenerative Medicine
- Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP): Biologic therapies are being integrated with ACL reconstruction to enhance tissue healing. PRP and stem cell injections may be used to promote better graft integration and speed up the healing process. These biologics help with inflammation, improve vascularization, and potentially reduce recovery times.
- Scaffold Technologies: Scaffolds made from natural or synthetic materials are used to support the ACL graft during healing. These scaffolds encourage tissue regeneration and help to improve the biomechanical properties of the reconstructed ligament. Learn more about the BEAR procedure here.
2. ACL Repair vs. Reconstruction
- Primary ACL Repair: In select cases, surgeons are now opting for ACL repair, where the torn ligament is sutured back to its original attachment rather than completely reconstructing it with a graft. This is typically done in cases of proximal tears (tears near the femur). ACL repair is appealing because it preserves the native ligament, potentially offering a quicker recovery and fewer long-term issues compared to traditional reconstruction.
- Internal Brace Augmentation: Some surgeons use internal bracing, where a high-strength suture tape is used alongside the repaired or reconstructed ACL to provide additional stability. This internal brace acts as a reinforcement while the native ligament heals and is gradually absorbed by the body over time.
3. Quad Tendon Graft Popularity
- Quadriceps Tendon Graft: While traditionally hamstring and patellar tendon grafts have been widely used, the quadriceps tendon graft has become increasingly popular due to its strength and reduced donor site morbidity. It provides a strong graft with a lower risk of postoperative anterior knee pain, which is often a concern with patellar tendon grafts.
- All-Inside Graft: The all-inside ACL reconstruction technique, often paired with the quadriceps tendon graft, uses minimal bone tunnels and small incisions, which may reduce pain and improve recovery time.
4. Minimally Invasive Techniques
- Arthroscopic Surgery Improvements: ACL surgeries are now commonly performed arthroscopically using smaller incisions and refined surgical techniques. The use of 3D imaging and robotic-assisted surgery allows for more precise graft placement and less damage to surrounding tissues.
- Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR): Some surgeons are incorporating AR and VR technologies for enhanced visualization during surgery. These tools improve accuracy in graft placement and surgical precision by giving surgeons a more detailed view of the joint anatomy.
5. Enhanced Rehabilitation Protocols
- Accelerated Rehab Programs: With improved surgical techniques and biologic enhancements, some protocols focus on faster rehabilitation, enabling athletes to return to sport sooner. Weight-bearing exercises and early range of motion are encouraged to prevent muscle atrophy and stiffness.
- Neuromuscular Training: Advances in rehabilitation include integrating neuromuscular training early in recovery to improve balance, coordination, and muscle firing patterns. This training helps reduce the risk of future ACL injuries by correcting biomechanical deficiencies.
6. Graft Selection and Customization
- Patient-Specific Graft Selection: More focus is placed on choosing grafts based on the patient's age, activity level, and specific sport. For example, athletes in pivoting sports like soccer and basketball may benefit from stronger grafts, while less active individuals may opt for less invasive options.
7. Advances in Postoperative Monitoring
- Wearable Technology and Telemedicine: Wearable sensors and smart devices can track patients' progress post-surgery, monitoring range of motion, activity levels, and muscle strength. This real-time data allows surgeons and physiotherapists to adjust rehabilitation protocols based on the patient’s recovery.
- Telemedicine: The use of telemedicine for postoperative care is becoming more common, enabling surgeons to monitor patients remotely, reducing the need for in-office visits and allowing for more personalized recovery plans.
8. Focus on ACL Injury Prevention
- Prehab and Return-to-Play Testing: Preoperative conditioning, or "prehab," is becoming a standard practice to strengthen the surrounding muscles before surgery. Additionally, more rigorous return-to-play protocols are being used post-surgery to ensure that athletes are fully recovered before resuming competition.
- AI-Driven Injury Prevention Programs: Artificial intelligence is being used to analyze movement patterns and predict injury risks. This data can inform training programs and corrective exercises to prevent ACL tears in high-risk athletes.
Who Benefits Most from These Advancements?
- High-performance athletes who need to return to their sport quickly and with a lower risk of reinjury.
- Young athletes who have higher re-tear risks can benefit from biologics and improved surgical precision.
- Patients with failed ACL reconstructions benefit from enhanced revision techniques and biologic therapies.
- Older or less active patients who prefer less invasive options like primary ACL repair or alternative graft choices.
These innovations aim to improve ACL surgery outcomes, shorten recovery times, and enhance the long-term stability of the knee, allowing athletes and active individuals to return to their sport with confidence.
Author
Dr. Catherine Logan, MD, MBA
Catherine Logan, MD, MBA, MSPT, is a sports medicine orthopaedic surgeon specializing in complex knee and shoulder surgery at Colorado Sports Medicine and Orthopaedics (COSMO) in Denver, Colorado. As a former physical therapist & trainer, Dr. Logan provides a distinct expertise in sports injury, prevention, and surgical management.
