Anterior Cruciate Ligament Surgery

The most typical patients for ACL injuries are athletes but this can also happen from falling on the knee, a direct hit to the knee, or car accidents. ACL can tear due to pivoting, landing from a jump, changing directions suddenly, or colliding into someone or thing. These activities can result in a sprain or a tear in the ACL. With a sprain or tear the immediate effects are quite similar including: bruising, weakness in the knee, swelling, and tenderness. 

Most repairs consist of ACL reconstructive surgery after an MRI confirms a tear. If a tear is confirmed the process of pre-hab takes place. These are exercises before surgery to help with better outcomes. ACL reconstruction is two surgeries. The first surgery's goal is to replace the torn ligament by attaching a graft, usually from the patient’s hamstring or patellar tendon, to restore stability and function. The second surgery uses tiny incisions through the skin around the knee. As the ACL heals the tunnels in the knee fill.

This surgery takes about 6-9 mon†hs to recover from. Immediate Post-OP consists of brace locks and crutches with stretches to strengthen the quad. The physical therapy starts to help you walk easier and eventually run till the patient is strong enough to do it on their own. After three to five months of therapy and the patient’s MD clears them, they may return back to their sport or work. 

ACL surgery revolutionized recovery for knee injuries improving mobility and recovery. This surgery's impact improved quality of life for both athletes and non-athletes. ACL surgery is proof that science and determination rebuild people's strength and confidence.

by Hadlie-Darke Schreiber at Incisionary

APA References

Breg, Inc. “T Scope® Premier Post-Op Knee Brace.” Breg, Inc., https://www.breg.com/products/knee-bracing/post-op/t-scope-premier-post-op-knee-brace/. Accessed 26 Oct. 2025.

Massachusetts General Brigham Sports Medicine. Rehabilitation Protocol for Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) Reconstruction. 8 Aug. 2024 (Revised 8/2024), https://www.massgeneral.org/assets/mgh/pdf/orthopaedics/sports-medicine/physical-therapy/rehabilitation-protocol-for-acl.pdf. Accessed 26 Oct. 2025.

My Physio Perth. “Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) Injury.” My Physio Perth, 2 Nov. 2016, https://myphysioperth.com.au/anterior-cruciate-ligament-acl-injury/. Accessed 26 Oct. 2025.

Boston Children’s Hospital. “Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) Injury.” Boston Children’s Hospital, https://www.childrenshospital.org/conditions/anterior-cruciate-ligament-acl-injury. Accessed 26 Oct. 2025.