Overview

ACL reconstruction is surgery to replace a torn anterior cruciate (KROO-she-ate) ligament (ACL) a major ligament in your knee. ACL injuries most commonly occur during sports that involve sudden stops and changes in direction such as soccer, football, basketball and volleyball.

Ligaments are strong bands of tissue that attach one bone to another bone. During ACL reconstruction, the torn ligament is removed and replaced with a band of tissue that usually connects muscle to bone (tendon). The graft tendon is taken from another part of your knee or from a deceased donor.

ACL reconstruction is an outpatient surgery that’s performed by a doctor who specializes in surgical procedures of the bones and joints (orthopedic surgeon).

ACL reconstruction is generally recommended if

• You’re an athlete and want to continue in your sport, especially if the sport involves jumping, cutting or pivoting
• More than one ligament is injured
• You have a torn meniscus that requires repair
• The injury is causing your knee to buckle during everyday activities
• You’re young (though other factors, such as activity level and knee instability, are more important than age)