The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is located in the front section of the knee and connects the tibia (larger of the 2 bones in the lower leg) and the femur (the thighbone). The posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) is located in the back section of the knee and connects the tibia and the femur. Both ligaments can be torn if the knee is twisted unnaturally. South Seminole Hospital offers ACL and PCL repair and replacement surgery. Thomas Herzog, MD, is the orthopedic surgeon on staff. He is board certified to perform this and other orthopedic procedures.

During surgery, the ACL or PCL ligament is reconstructed using a graft. Using an arthroscope, the surgeon makes several small incisions to repair the torn or damaged ACL or PCL. Surgery usually lasts between two and four hours and is often performed as an outpatient procedure. Once surgery is complete, your physician may recommend physical therapy or rehabilitation program to help you get back to increase strength and stability and return to normal activities as soon as possible.