Restore Stability. Return to Movement.
What Is the ACL?
The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is one of the key ligaments that stabilize your knee joint. It connects the thigh bone (femur) to the shin bone (tibia) and is essential for:
- Knee stability during movement
- Sudden changes in direction
- Jumping, pivoting, or deceleration
ACL tears often occur in athletes and active individuals and typically do not heal without surgical intervention.
Who Is a Candidate for ACL Surgery?
ACL reconstruction may be recommended if:
- You have a complete or partial ACL tear diagnosed by MRI
- Your knee feels unstable, especially during physical activity
- You wish to return to sports, running, or high-impact activities
- You experience repeated episodes of your knee “giving out”
- You are active and under the age of 60
- Non-surgical rehabilitation has not restored knee stability
Our orthopedic team will assess your injury and activity goals to determine whether ACL reconstruction is the best option.
About the Procedure
ACL reconstruction involves replacing the torn ligament with a tissue graft. The procedure is usually performed arthroscopically (minimally invasive), and includes:
- Removal of the damaged ligament
- Harvesting a graft (typically from your own hamstring or patellar tendon) or using a donor graft
- Precise tunnel creation in the femur and tibia
- Placement and secure fixation of the new ligament
- Closure with small incisions and sterile dressing
The surgery typically lasts 60–90 minutes and is done under general or spinal anesthesia.
Recovery Timeline
Recovery from ACL reconstruction is progressive and involves structured rehabilitation:
- Hospital stay: Usually same-day or overnight
- Weight-bearing with crutches: 1 to 2 weeks
- Return to light activities: 6 to 8 weeks
- Running and agility training: ~4 months
- Return to contact sports: 6 to 9 months, based on physiotherapy and strength testing
Our care team provides you with a personalized physiotherapy plan to support long-term knee stability and performance.
Learn More or Request a Free Assessment
If you’ve been diagnosed with an ACL tear or are experiencing knee instability, fill out our consultation form for a free evaluation. Our team will review your MRI, symptoms, and goals to guide your next steps—whether you’re an athlete or just want to get back to daily life pain-free.
