ACL Reconstruction Surgery
Restore knee stability and return to athletics with advanced ACL reconstruction
What is ACL Reconstruction?
ACL reconstruction is a surgical procedure to replace a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) with a graft to restore knee stability. The ACL is crucial for knee stability during cutting, pivoting, and jumping activities. When torn, it typically requires surgical reconstruction for athletes and active individuals to return to their previous level of activity.
High Success Rate: ACL reconstruction has a 90-95% success rate for returning athletes to their sport, with most patients achieving full function within 6-9 months.
Who Needs ACL Reconstruction?
ACL reconstruction is recommended for:
- Athletes: Individuals who want to return to cutting and pivoting sports
- Active individuals: Those with recreational sports participation
- Knee instability: Patients experiencing giving way or buckling
- Young patients: To prevent future meniscus and cartilage damage
- Complete tears: Full thickness ACL tears that won't heal
- Associated injuries: When combined with other knee injuries
- Occupational demands: Jobs requiring knee stability and agility
Graft Options
Hamstring Autograft
Using patient's own hamstring tendons - strong, less anterior knee pain, but slower early strength.
Patellar Tendon Autograft
Using patient's own patellar tendon - gold standard for athletes, faster incorporation, bone-to-bone healing.
Allograft
Using donor tissue - no harvest site morbidity, longer surgery time, slightly higher failure rate.
ACL Reconstruction Process
Pre-Surgical Preparation
Achieve full range of motion and reduce swelling through physical therapy before surgery.
Surgical Reconstruction
1-2 hour arthroscopic procedure to remove torn ACL and replace with graft using tunnels in bones.
Early Recovery
0-6 weeks focusing on pain control, swelling reduction, and regaining range of motion.
Rehabilitation
6-24 weeks of progressive strengthening, proprioception, and sport-specific training.
Return to Sport Criteria
Athletes must meet specific criteria before returning to sport:
- Time: Minimum 6 months post-surgery
- Strength: 90% strength compared to uninvolved leg
- Hop testing: 90% performance on single-leg hop tests
- Psychological readiness: Confidence in knee stability
- Sport-specific skills: Ability to perform sport movements
- Physician clearance: Medical approval for return to competition
Ready to Return to Your Sport?
Don't let an ACL tear end your athletic career. Our sports medicine specialists will help you return to peak performance with advanced reconstruction techniques.
Sports medicine specialists available. Multiple graft options discussed.