Anterior cruciate ligament injuries are common among athletes and active individuals, often leading to instability and limited mobility in the knee. ACL reconstruction surgery can help restore strength and stability in the knee joint, enabling a return to an active lifestyle.
If you’re dealing with an ACL injury, Benjamin W. Szerlip, DO, a fellowship-trained shoulder and sports medicine surgeon in Austin, Texas, offers expert care to help you get back to your routine. Reach out today to schedule a consultation!
“Dr. Szerlip was very personable, knowledgeable, and took time for all my questions. He gave great explanations of my problem and potential solutions. I have full confidence in his recommendations for treatment and therapy.” — Pam G.
The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is one of the four major ligaments in the knee joint, connecting the thighbone (femur) to the shinbone (tibia). The ACL’s main role is to stabilize the knee during movements, particularly those that involve sudden stops, jumps, or changes in direction. When this ligament becomes injured or torn, it can lead to instability, pain, and a reduced range of motion.
ACL injuries occur in three primary grades:
Severe ACL injuries often require surgical intervention, particularly if the individual wants to return to sports or active daily activities.
ACL repair and reconstruction are surgical procedures designed to restore stability to a torn ACL. ACL repair involves reattaching the torn ligament to the bone, though it’s less commonly performed because the success rates are higher for reconstruction. ACL reconstruction, the more common approach, replaces the torn ACL with a new ligament, typically harvested from other parts of the body or from a donor.
ACL reconstruction surgery aims to restore full function to the knee, allowing patients to regain mobility, strength, and stability. This procedure is effective for both recent ACL injuries and older, untreated ACL tears that continue to affect mobility.
There are several approaches to ACL reconstruction surgery, which may vary based on the patient’s needs, lifestyle, and overall health:
Dr. Szerlip will work with you to determine which type of graft is most appropriate for your unique condition and lifestyle.
ACL reconstruction surgery is generally recommended for individuals who:
While not every ACL tear requires surgery, those with high activity levels or extensive damage may benefit greatly from reconstruction to prevent further injury and support long-term knee stability.
The timing of ACL reconstruction surgery can vary depending on the severity of the injury and the patient’s overall health. In most cases, doctors recommend waiting a few weeks after the injury to allow swelling to subside. However, delaying too long may increase the risk of further knee joint damage, as instability from an untreated ACL injury can lead to other injuries, including meniscus and cartilage tears.
Consulting with a fellowship-trained surgeon like Dr. Szerlip as soon as possible after an ACL injury can help determine the right time for surgery to optimize both recovery and long-term knee health.
During ACL reconstruction surgery, the torn ACL is removed and replaced with a new ligament, either from a graft or donor tissue. The procedure generally includes these steps:
ACL reconstruction surgery is generally performed on an outpatient basis, meaning patients can often return home the same day.
If you’re struggling with an ACL injury or knee instability, ACL reconstruction surgery with Benjamin W. Szerlip, DO, may offer the relief you need to return to an active life. As a highly experienced fellowship-trained shoulder and sports medicine surgeon in Austin, TX, Dr. Szerlip provides personalized and effective ACL treatment options to help you regain strength, stability, and confidence.
Ready to take the next step? Contact Dr. Szerlip’s office today to schedule your consultation and discuss your options for ACL reconstruction surgery!
Medically reviewed by Benjamin W. Szerlip, DO
