WHAT IS THE ACL HEALING RESPONSE ?
Written by Scott A. Hacker MD

After an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear, the decision for or against surgical treatment is made. When discussing surgical treatments, two options may exist. The first, and most often implemented, is a reconstruction of the ligament using tissue from somewhere else. Another option is called the ‘healing response’.

The healing response procedure has been used as an alternative to reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament of the knee. Tiny holes are made in the bone at the origin of the disrupted ligament as well as in the ligament itself. The surgically induced clot that results from this procedure provides a scaffolding and enriched environment for potential tissue healing. This procedure is similar in many ways to a ‘microfracture’.

The rehabilitation is different from a traditional reconstruction in that the knee is held in a brace for a period of time.

Discuss this option with your doctor to see if it is best for you !

A few more links for your review:
Bode Miller after an ACL Healing response