What it is
The torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is replaced with a tendon graft, usually from your own kneecap tendon, hamstring or quadriceps, or from a donor, using keyhole surgery.
Who it's usually for
Active people who want to return to sports with pivoting and cutting, or whose knee keeps giving way. Some people, especially less active adults, do well with focused rehab and no surgery.
Pros and cons
✓ Pros
- Restores stability so the knee doesn't give way.
- Allows many people to return to pivoting sports.
- May protect the meniscus from further tears in active people.
⚠ Cons and risks
- Long rehab; returning to sport too early raises the risk of re-tearing.
- Pain where the graft was taken, and some stiffness, are possible.
- It doesn't prevent arthritis later in life.
Recovery times are typical ranges; yours may be different. Your surgeon can tell you what to expect.
What recovery is like
Rehab lasts many months and moves in stages: first getting the knee straight and the swelling down, then strength and balance, then running and jumping. Early weeks can be sore; following the program patiently lowers the risk of re-injury.
Questions to ask your surgeon
- Do I need surgery, or could rehab alone work for me?
- Which graft do you recommend for me, and why?
- What are the milestones before I can return to sport?
When to get help quickly: Get help the same day for a hot, red, swollen joint with fever, if you can't put weight on your leg after an injury, or, after surgery, for fever, wound drainage, or new calf pain or swelling. For chest pain or sudden shortness of breath, call 911.
What surgeons say in their videos
Videos from different surgeons and doctors, newest first. They share their own views, and we don't rank or endorse any of them.
Common questions about acl reconstruction
What is acl reconstruction?
The torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is replaced with a tendon graft, usually from your own kneecap tendon, hamstring or quadriceps, or from a donor, using keyhole surgery.
Who is acl reconstruction for?
Active people who want to return to sports with pivoting and cutting, or whose knee keeps giving way. Some people, especially less active adults, do well with focused rehab and no surgery.
What is recovery like after acl reconstruction?
Rehab lasts many months and moves in stages: first getting the knee straight and the swelling down, then strength and balance, then running and jumping. Early weeks can be sore; following the program patiently lowers the risk of re-injury.
What are the risks of acl reconstruction?
Long rehab; returning to sport too early raises the risk of re-tearing. Pain where the graft was taken, and some stiffness, are possible. It doesn't prevent arthritis later in life.
Getting ready
Losing extra weight, exercising before surgery, stopping smoking and getting your home ready can make surgery safer and recovery easier.
How to get ready for surgery →Find a surgeon
Look up hip and knee surgeons in your state, from public records.
Find a hip & knee surgeon →Other knee surgeries
Sources
We base this page on these major medical organizations and studies. How we write our pages.
General information written for Hip & Knee Surgery, not by the surgeons in the videos. For education only; not medical advice. Last reviewed October 2026.