ACL Reconstruction
If you may need an ACL reconstruction, please Schedule an appointment with one of our orthopedic specialists as soon as possible.
What is an ACL Reconstruction?
ACL reconstruction refers to a surgical procedure that replaces a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) with a tissue graft. The ACL connects the femur, or thighbone, to the tibia, or shinbone, and helps control forward movement and rotation within the knee. A torn ACL can cause pain, instability, swelling, and difficulty with activities that require running, jumping, or sudden changes in direction. During ACL reconstruction, a surgeon uses a graft from the patient’s own body or from a donor to create a new ligament that supports the knee. ACL reconstruction can help restore stability, improve knee function, and support a safe return to daily activities and sports. Physical therapy after surgery strengthens the muscles around the knee and helps the patient regain movement, balance, coordination, and confidence.
ACL Surgery
ACL surgery usually begins with an orthopedic surgeon examining the knee and reviewing imaging, such as an MRI. Before surgery, the patient often completes physical therapy to reduce swelling, restore motion, and strengthen the leg. During surgery, the surgeon removes the damaged ACL and replaces the ligament with a tendon graft, often from the patient’s own hamstring, patellar tendon, or quadriceps tendon. The surgeon then creates small bone tunnels within the thighbone and shinbone, positions the graft through those tunnels, and secures the graft with fixation devices. After surgery, the patient begins rehabilitation with exercises that gradually restore movement, strength, balance, and knee function.
ACL surgery aims to restore knee stability, reduce the risk of repeated giving-way episodes, and help the patient return to normal activities or sports. Rehabilitation also focuses on rebuilding leg strength, improving coordination, and restoring confidence during movement. Successful treatment can help protect other knee structures from additional injury and support long-term knee function.
Benefits of an ACL Reconstruction
Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction restores knee stability after a torn ACL by replacing the damaged ligament with a tendon graft. Surgeons commonly use tissue from the patient’s patellar tendon, hamstring tendon, quadriceps tendon, or a donor graft to create a new ligament. The procedure helps stabilize the knee, supports normal movement, and allows patients to regain strength through rehabilitation.
Benefits of ACL reconstruction include:
- Restores knee stability during daily activities and sports
- Replaces a torn ACL with a strong tendon graft
- Reduces episodes of knee buckling or giving way
- Helps protect cartilage and other knee structures from additional injury
- Improves knee strength, function, and confidence with rehabilitation
- Promotes long-term joint stability and mobility
Recovery for an ACL Reconstruction
Recovery after ACL reconstruction requires patience, rehabilitation, and a gradual return to activity. Patients begin physical therapy soon after surgery to reduce swelling, restore knee movement, and rebuild strength. Surgeons often recommend using crutches and a knee brace during the early stages while the graft heals. As recovery progresses, patients advance through exercises that improve balance, flexibility, and stability before returning to higher-impact activities. Regular follow-up appointments help monitor healing, and consistent rehabilitation supports a safe return to work, sports, and daily activities over several months.
If you would like to speak to a Texas-Based Orthopedic Specialist, give us a call at 817-697-4038, or contact us online. Telemedicine appointments are also available.
