Is your knee giving way after an ACL tear, leaving it hard to walk, pivot, or stay active? ACL reconstruction at Arête Health Group restores stability by repairing the torn ligament, helping you return to movement and the activities you love.
Restore Knee Stability After Ligament Injury
ACL reconstruction is a surgical procedure that rebuilds the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in your knee after it has been torn or severely damaged. This ligament is essential for stabilizing your knee during movements like walking, pivoting, and jumping. During the procedure, your provider replaces the damaged ligament with a graft, allowing your knee to regain strength, stability, and function over time through guided healing and rehabilitation.
ACL Reconstruction Treats:
- Torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL)
- Knee instability or “giving out” during movement
- Sports-related knee injuries (pivoting, cutting, jumping)
- Partial or complete ACL tears causing pain or weakness
- Reduced range of motion due to ligament damage
- Difficulty walking, running, or changing direction
- Recurrent knee buckling or loss of confidence in movement
How ACL Reconstruction Works
ACL reconstruction restores stability by replacing your torn ligament with a strong graft, typically taken from your own tendon or a donor. Your provider carefully positions this graft inside your knee using small tunnels drilled in the bone, securing it so it functions like your natural ligament. Over time, your body incorporates the graft, supplying it with blood and transforming it into a living ligament. As healing progresses, guided rehabilitation strengthens the surrounding muscles, helping your knee regain stability, control, and normal movement.
Benefits of ACL Reconstruction:
- Restores knee stability for daily activities and sports
- Reduces episodes of knee “giving way” or buckling
- Helps prevent further damage to cartilage and meniscus
- Improves strength, balance, and joint control
- Supports a safe return to an active lifestyle
- Long-term durability with proper rehabilitation
- Enhances knee function and confidence in movement
ACL Reconstruction FAQs
How Do I Know if I Need This Procedure?
If your knee feels unstable, gives out during activity, or you’ve been diagnosed with a torn ACL through imaging and physical exam, reconstruction may be needed. Your provider will consider your lifestyle, activity level, and goals to determine if surgery is right for you.
Is the Procedure Painful?
It’s normal to feel some discomfort after surgery, especially in the first few days. However, your care team will guide you through pain management options to keep you comfortable. Most patients find that pain improves as healing progresses and rehabilitation begins.
How Long Does Recovery Take?
Recovery varies, but many patients return to light daily activities within a few weeks. Full recovery, especially for sports or high-impact movement, typically takes several months. Your progress depends on your commitment to physical therapy and your healing response.
Will I Need Physical Therapy?
Yes, physical therapy is a key part of your recovery. It helps restore strength, flexibility, and stability in your knee. A structured program ensures the graft heals properly while gradually improving your ability to move with confidence again.
Can I Return to Sports After Surgery?
In many cases, yes. ACL reconstruction is performed to help you safely return to the activities you enjoy. Your provider will guide you on timing based on your recovery progress, strength, and stability, ensuring you’re ready before resuming high-impact sports.
Are There Risks Involved?
As with any surgery, there are potential risks, including infection, stiffness, or graft issues. However, these are relatively rare. Your provider will take every precaution and walk you through how to minimize risks before and after your procedure.
Schedule Your Consultation
When was the last time you felt confident in every step you took? At Arête Health Group, your care is personal, thoughtful, and centered around helping you move forward with strength and stability. Serving patients in Paramus, Fords, and Clifton, our providers take the time to understand you and your goals. Schedule your consultation and take the first step toward lasting knee stability with ACL reconstruction.
