Arthroscopic A.C.L. Reconstruction does not attempt to repair the torn A.C.L. This surgical procedure recreates the function and stability of the A.C.L. by utilizing other similar pieces of human tissue as a substitute. Currently the most common tissue used to reconstruct the A.C.L. is the middle one third of the patellar tendon.
This tissue is typically harvested from the patient's affected knee and is referred to as a patellar tendon Allograft. This piece of patellar tendon can also be harvested from a cadaver, and is processed using strict criteria to insure compatibility with the patient. Other sources of tissue include the hamstrings, quadriceps tendon, and the Achilles tendon.