Repair a Torn ACL with ACL Surgery at Dignity Health

ACL surgery (or ACL reconstruction and ACL repair) is a procedure that addresses a torn anterior cruciate ligament — or ACL — in the knee. This ligament supports your knee joint and keeps it secure.

If you’ve been experiencing knee pain that you believe is related to a torn ACL, and you’re in the Bay Area, come to Dignity Health for relief.

Why ACL Surgery is Performed

ACL surgery acts twofold to both stabilize your knee and return it to a normal function after an ACL injury. After surgery, you should be able to use your knee without pain. This type of procedure may be an option if you have completely torn your ACL, or if you have other knee injuries along with a torn ACL (which can be common).

Your doctor may recommend surgery to treat an ACL tear if:

  • Nonsurgical management, such as physical therapy and rehabilitation, hasn’t worked.
  • You are an active adult.
  • You are an adolescent or teen, and your growth plates have closed (ACL surgery may damage the growth plate in younger children).
  • You have symptoms of instability, including knee pain and a knee that gives way during daily activities.

What to Expect

ACL surgery is a minimally invasive laparoscopic procedure during which your surgeon will use a connective tissue graft to repair your injured ACL. Grafts can be synthetic or come from your own body. Your body will then heal around the graft over several months.

Most people are able go home the same day after ACL surgery, although you may have to use crutches and wear a knee brace to keep your knee stable while it is healing. Some people continue to use the brace for extra security during sports or high-demand activities.

Physical therapy at Dignity Health will be part of your recovery, which will help you regain knee function, strength and stability. It may take four to six months to fully recover.

How Your Everyday Life May Be Different

After ACL surgery, most people return to their favorite activities and sports. However, it’s important to talk with your doctor before returning to activities or starting new ones.

Lean on Dignity Health to repair your ACL and get you back to the activities you love. To learn more about how we can help you regain your active lifestyle, Find a Doctor near you today.

The Dignity Health network is a reliable resource for ACL surgeries in the Bay Area, including San Francisco, Santa Cruz and Redwood City.