An ACL reconstruction involves replacing the injured ligament, this can be done by taking a part of your hamstring or patella tendon and fixing it at the same site as the original ACL. There doesn’t appear to be a major difference between using the hamstring or patella tendon, but having had previous hamstring injuries might lead the surgeon to prefer a patella tendon. Using other structures can be done, but this is best discussed with the surgeon.
The surgery is completed with minimal incisions and is generally completed in a few hours. At times, surgery can also be performed to other injured structures in the knee, such as major ligaments, meniscus and other knee anatomy.
Often there is a period of hospitalisation with this procedure, and is a topic of discussion with the surgeon.
A great visual summary can be found by watching this short 4 minute video, “ACL Surgery – 3D Reconstruction” – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xsq0sQp6DwU