There are many conditions which require a knee replacement. The most common is osteoarthritis. This means that the cartilage of the knee has worn out, resulting in the top of the shinbone (tibia) and the bottom of the thigh bone (femur) rubbing together. This is very painful and stops you from being able to move your knee as you once did.

The main indication of ACL reconstruction surgery is symptomatic instability following ACL injury. The aim of ACL reconstruction surgery is to restore the functional stability of the knee without compromising other joint functions.

The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is one of the main supporting ligaments of the knee. The ACL’s main role is to keep the knee stable during rotational movements, for example, twisting, turning or side- stepping activities. It also provides important information to the muscles around the knee, which are involved in protecting the knee during activities.

A knee arthroscopy is a procedure that involves making two or three small incisions, or portals, usually in front of the knee. A small arthroscope (three to five millimetres in diameter) is inserted into the knee allowing the surgeon to see and operate inside the joint. Knee arthroscopy is usually carried out under a general anaesthesia, either as a day case or in some instances as an overnight stay in hospital.