Surgery to Repair Torn ACL

Stop living in pain, and get back to the physical life you enjoy!

The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is one of the most crucial ligaments in the knee and provides stability to the body, which is especially important for people who lead active lifestyles. Unfortunately, the ACL is one of the most commonly injured parts of the body.

If your ACL is torn, surgery may be able to mend the torn ligament in your knee. C. Thomas Vangsness, M.D., who is board certified by the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery, can assess your situation and suggest a proper course of action to get you feeling like your old self again.

How do I know if I have torn my ACL?

For many patients, signs of a torn ACL may consist of an initial “pop” in the knee when straining occurs. Afterward, symptoms begin to show, such as:

• Swelling in the knee joint
• Failure to bear weight on the affected knee
• Loss of stability
• Reduction of movement in the knee area

From the time the tearing occurs in the knee ligament, it may be very difficult for the ligaments to heal unless properly treated with ACL reconstruction surgery.

Feel free to browse our ACL surgery photos and diagrams on the procedure page.

What is ACL Reconstruction surgery?

When the ACL is torn, and the patient wishes to regain full ability of the knee by being active and participating in sports; reconstruction of the ligament must be performed in an outpatient surgery.

The torn ligament will first be removed by Dr. Vangsness, and then replaced with a new ligament or “graft,” which will be secured with screws. Typically, patients who have mended their torn ACL with surgery can go home the same day.

To schedule a consultation with our ACL reconstruction surgery specialist, please contact our staff at (323) 442-5860.