Sally's ACL Story

by Melissa
(California)

Hi I want to know the major difference between autograft patellar tendon and allograft surgeries. I'm a 17 year old girl who tore her first, left acl, during a high school soccer game. I've been playing soccer for over 11 years, and those who play a competitive sport know that it becomes much more than an extracurricular. Soccer was my life. So when I tore my ACL, my heart broke. I thought that my dreams for playing college soccer were over. There was nothing for me to do except rehab hard and to just let the future be. I decided on a patellar tendon autograft based on the research I had done and the suggestions of my doctor. I have had minimal difficulties with the graft except for the normal, not being able to fully trust my graft, not because it was not strong, but simply because of my mind unconsciously trying to protect itself. I think that this was the reason for my second ACL tear in my right new. I tore my right ACL almost a year out from my first tear and again I was devastated. This time, I am considering an allograft because of the extreme pain after surgery I felt from my patellar tendon autograft and some lingering pain from the patellar tendon and scar after surgery. Though the autograft went well and incorporated well, I think I pushed myself a little too hard which caused the temporary patellar tendonitis. Also, this being my senior year, I'm not sure if I want to deal with the pain right after surgery as I did for my autograft. Pros and cons to patellar tendon autograft and allograft?? I would greatly appreciate all your input. Having to deal with yet another surgery and having my dreams being crushed is enough to deal with. I really want to make the best choice. Thanks so much!