ACL Reconstruction Specialist

What is ACL reconstruction?

Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction is a surgical treatment for an ACL tear. Of the four main ligaments in your knee, the ACL is the most frequently injured. 

ACL tears are common sports injuries among athletes who participate in high-demand sports, including skiing, football, soccer, and basketball. This injury also often affects people with jobs that involve manual labor, including carpentry and warehouse work.

Dr. Lintner serves as the Head Team Physician for the Houston Texans, and he performs ACL reconstruction on active people from all backgrounds, from collegiate and professional athletes to weekend warriors. 

Why would I need ACL reconstruction?

You may need ACL reconstruction surgery if you have an ACL tear and want to return to your active lifestyle. The ACL provides stability to your knee. You need this stability to perform various movements, like pivoting, cutting, and jumping. Without treatment, your knee may give out suddenly, which eventually leads to cartilage damage and arthritis. 

People who are less active may be able to get by with nonsurgical treatments, such as physical therapy. 

What does ACL reconstruction entail?

Older ACL treatments involved sewing the torn ends of the ligament back together. However, this almost always led to re-injury of the ligament. 

ACL reconstruction involves replacing the damaged ligament with tendon tissue. The tissue may come from your patellar tendon, your hamstring tendon, or from a donor. Dr. Lintner discusses the risks and benefits of each option and helps you make an informed decision. 

Almost all of Dr. Lintner’s ACL reconstruction procedures use arthroscopic surgery, a minimally invasive technique that reduces scarring, blood loss, and pain. Arthroscopic ACL reconstruction involves inserting a small camera and tiny surgical tools into buttonhole-sized incisions around your knee. Most patients go home the day of their procedure. 

What is the recovery like after ACL reconstruction surgery?

After ACL reconstruction, Dr. Lintner provides you with detailed instructions on how to care for your knee at home. You may need to wear a brace for a few weeks to months. 

For the first 3-5 days, you should elevate and ice your knee and perform simple exercises to facilitate healing. Dr. Lintner gets you started on a physical therapy and rehabilitation plan as soon as possible to optimize your recovery. 

It’s important to follow your physical therapy plan in order to get back to your sport or normal activities as quickly and safely as possible. 

If you think you need ACL reconstruction, call the office of David Lintner, MD, or book an appointment online today.