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ACL Surgery & Recovery

ACL tears or strains are one of the leading injuries in sports, but with modern technology they are becoming more manageable.

  1. What Is the ACL?

    • The ACL, or anterior cruciate ligament, is one of the main ligaments in the knee that help to stabilize it. When it tears, you could hear or feel a pop. Tearing the ACL is very painful and results in immense swelling. While rest and ice are usually good for the injury, it cannot be repaired without surgery.

    Surgical Repair

    • A doctor will opt for repair if the ACL is only partially torn. This will entail going into the knee and making tiny sutures that will dissolve once the tear is healed.

    ACL Reconstruction

    • A doctor can completely remove the ACL and replace it with a part of another tendon in the body (like the patellar tendon), or with a ligament from a cadaver. Reconstruction is done through arthroscopic surgery, using a very small instrument and a camera, and will leave minimal scarring.

    Recovery

    • Depending on the severity of the tear and the attention given to the wound, it can take six to nine months to fully recover. In most cases, arthritis in the knee is reported after the injury.

    Prevention

    • After surgery and once the knee is mobile, it is important to condition yourself properly to avoid re-injuring your ACL. This includes year-round exercises that build up the muscle. It is recommended that you wear a knee brace when taking part in sports or other strenuous activities.

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