A knee surgery, I think you’d be surprised to learn, that a lot of your ligaments are actually kept. Some patients think a new hinge is placed in the knee when really new coverings are placed over the end of your thigh bone and the top of your shin bone. Your muscles, tendons, ligaments, and bone are often preserved. Routinely, however, the anterior cruciate ligament is removed.
The shape of the implant makes up for the stability of the ACL. In most of my patients, the posterior cruciate ligament, or PCL, is also kept. In rare occasions and for some surgeons, the PCL is removed. The stability of the new knee is provided by the ligaments on the inside and outside of your knee and are kept so you can perform activities you enjoy.
