Final answer:
An autograft is the type of graft used in an anterior cruciate ligament repair using the patient's patellar tendon. This method promotes rapid bone-to-bone healing and helps to restore knee function.
Step-by-step explanation:
When a surgeon plans to use the patient's patellar tendon for an anterior cruciate ligament repair, the type of graft being used is known as an autograft. An autograft is a graft that is taken from the patient's own body. In the case of the anterior cruciate ligament repair, the patellar tendon, which includes small areas of bone still attached at each end, is harvested and then inserted into pre-drilled holes in the patient’s tibia and femur at the site of the original ligament.
The bone-to-bone healing at each end of the graft facilitates rapid recovery, making this method preferable for many surgeons. This surgical intervention helps to restore the stabilizing function of the anterior cruciate ligament, which is critical for the knee's rotation and forward movement, while resisting hyperextension.