Clinical Research
Dr. Ahlfeld Presents A Research Poster at
St. Vincent Hospital's Annual Research Symposium

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA

The annual St. Vincent Research Symposium was held recently at the Ruth Lilly Conference Center on the St. Vincent Hospital's Indianapolis campus. The annual event featured national and local speakers as well as workshops. There were opportunities to hear about the current research and clinical investigations underway at St. Vincent Hospital and affiliate institutions.

Steve Ahlfeld, M.D. presented a research poster entitled "Surgical Reconstruction of the ACL in the Athlete," and discussed the treatment of this and other sports-related injuries in the knee.
The research poster describes Dr. Ahlfeld's minimally invasive technique of anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. This arthroscopic technique allows an early return to active athletic participation.
As depicted in the poster, Dr. Ahlfeld is able to reconstruct the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) using the patient's own living tissue (a portion of the patellar tendon) and a small metallic surgical device called an Endobutton (see photo at right).

The new Endobutton-ACL construct replaces the patient's own torn or injured ACL, forming a new anatomically correct ligament.

The surgery is routinely performed arthroscopically using incisions that are smaller than older, more traditional surgical techniques.

Most patients are able to begin an aggressive program of physical therapy and rehab following their surgery.

An earlier return to normal recreational activities and athletic participation is one advantage offered by this type of ACL surgical reconstruction.

The small metalic Endobutton securely
holds the newly reconstructed ACL in place
allowing an earlier return to athletics.

The above graph depicts the shortened
healing time following arthroscopic ACL reconstruction.