An ACL injury is a tear of the anterior cruciate ligament, one of the main ligaments that stabilizes the knee.
No. Some people can manage without surgery, but active individuals who want to return to sports or experience instability often benefit from reconstruction.
A popping sensation at the time of injury, swelling, pain, and a feeling that the knee may "give way."
ACL reconstruction is a procedure in which the torn ligament is replaced with a graft to restore knee stability.
Unlike some other ligaments, the ACL has limited healing potential, making reconstruction the more reliable option in most cases.
It is a minimally invasive procedure performed through small incisions using a camera and specialized instruments.
A graft is the tissue used to create a new ACL.
Common options include hamstring tendon, patellar tendon, quadriceps tendon, and donor (allograft) tissue.
There is no single best graft. The choice depends on age, activity level, sport, occupation, and surgeon preference.
Most procedures take approximately 60–120 minutes, depending on associated injuries and surgical complexity.
Most patients undergo surgery under spinal anesthesia, general anesthesia, or a combination of both.
Many patients go home the same day or after an overnight stay.
Yes. Crutches are commonly used for a short period during the initial recovery phase.
Pain is expected initially but is usually well managed with modern pain-control techniques and medications.
Most patients begin walking with support on the day of surgery or the following day.
Absolutely. Rehabilitation is just as important as the surgery itself for achieving a successful outcome.
Recovery varies, but returning to unrestricted sports typically takes 9–12 months.
Desk jobs may be resumed within 1–2 weeks, while physically demanding jobs often require a longer recovery period.
Driving is usually possible after a few weeks, depending on which knee was operated on and your ability to control the vehicle safely.
Yes. Most patients can return to sports once strength, balance, and functional testing goals are achieved.
Some people manage well, but others develop repeated episodes of instability that can damage the meniscus and cartilage.
Yes. Re-injury is possible, especially with premature return to sport or a new traumatic injury.
A brace may be used during the early recovery period, depending on the surgeon’s rehabilitation protocol.
Risks include infection, stiffness, blood clots, graft failure, persistent instability, and pain around the graft harvest site.
Return to sports should be based on strength, balance, functional testing, psychological readiness, and your surgeon’s assessment—not just the number of months since surgery.
Most patients return to a high level of activity and sport, but recovery is a journey. The goal is not just a healed ACL, but a strong, stable, and confident knee that allows you to return safely to the activities you enjoy.