What is the ACL and Why Is It Important?

The Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) is one of the four key ligaments that help stabilize your knee joint. It runs diagonally through the center of your knee and plays a critical role in:

• Controlling forward movement of the tibia (shin bone) under the femur (thigh bone)

• Providing rotational stability during cutting, pivoting, and rapid direction changes

A torn ACL is a common injury—especially in athletes—and often causes the knee to give out during movement. Left untreated, it can lead to instability, further knee damage, and early-onset arthritis.

How Is the Procedure Done?

ACL reconstruction involves replacing the torn ligament with a new one—usually a graft taken from your own tissue (autograft) or from a donor (allograft). This new ligament acts as a scaffold for new tissue growth and healing.

Latest Techniques and Technologies

We use advanced, minimally invasive techniques to ensure a faster recovery and improved outcomes:

• Anatomic Reconstruction (ACL Repair): Restores the ACL to its original position for a more natural feel and function.

• Selection of Graft Options: A modern graft choice that provides excellent strength and may reduce postoperative knee pain.

• Internal Brace Augmentation: A high-strength fiber tape used alongside the graft to reinforce stability during early healing—especially helpful for active individuals.

• Biological Enhancements (PRP): Platelet-rich plasma to promote faster graft integration and healing.

The surgery is typically done on an outpatient basis, with most patients returning home the same day.

Types of Grafts Used in ACL Reconstruction

When an ACL is reconstructed, a new ligament is created using tissue called a graft. There are several types of grafts available, each with different characteristics.

1. Patellar Tendon Autograft

• Uses the middle portion of the patellar tendon, located just below the kneecap.

• Often includes small bone pieces from the kneecap and shinbone.

2. Hamstring Tendon Autograft

• Uses one or two tendons from the inner part of the thigh (typically the semitendinosus and/or gracilis tendons).

3. Quadriceps Tendon Autograft

• Taken from the tendon above the kneecap, connecting the quadriceps muscle to the patella.

• May include a small bone plug or be soft tissue only.

4. Allograft (Donor Tissue)

• Uses tissue from a donor.

• Can include patellar, Achilles, or hamstring tendons.

Famous Athletes Who Returned After ACL Reconstruction

Adrian Peterson (NFL)

• Injury: Torn ACL and MCL in 2011.

• Comeback: Returned in under 9 months and rushed for over 2,000 yards the next season, winning NFL MVP in 2012.

Derrick Rose (NBA)

• Injury: Torn ACL in 2012.

• Comeback: Returned to the NBA, later named Sixth Man of the Year in 2021.

Alex Morgan (US Women’s National Soccer Team)

• Injury: ACL tear in high school.

• Comeback: Went on to win Olympic gold, World Cup titles, and become one of the most recognized players in soccer.

Zlatan Ibrahimović (Professional Footballer)

• Injury: Severe knee injury including ACL tear in 2017 at age 35.

• Comeback: Returned to European football, played at elite level for several more seasons.

Lindsey Vonn (Olympic Skier)

• Injury: ACL tear in 2013.

• Comeback: Returned to skiing and became the most decorated female alpine skier in history.