Arthroscopic surgery
Arthroscopic reconstruction of a torn anterior cruciate ligament using a tendon graft, with a structured return to sport.
At a glance
Typical timelines. Your plan will be tailored to your condition, procedure and goals.
How it works
Scroll to follow the procedure. An illustration for general understanding; Dr. Ganjianpour will walk you through the details of your own surgery.
ACL reconstruction is performed arthroscopically, through four small incisions around the knee.
A small camera, the arthroscope, shows the inside of the knee on a screen while the torn ligament is removed.
Tunnels are created in the tibia and femur, and a graft is passed through and anchored on both sides so it can heal.
Surgery takes roughly one to two hours, and patients go home the same day.
Recovery timeline
Keep scrolling to move through recovery, or select a milestone. Typical timeline from the practice's protocol; your plan will be tailored to you.
Day 0
Arthroscopic reconstruction, roughly one to two hours. You go home the same day and may bear weight right away.
Days 1–4
A hinged knee brace is locked at 0–30 degrees for the first three to four days; then work on range of motion begins. You'll start your own therapy within days.
Week 2
After two weeks, a stationary bike with no resistance is encouraged as you work on getting off crutches.
Week 4
The goal is full range of motion within four weeks. Supervised physical therapy begins and usually continues for three to four months.
Month 4
Impact activities such as running and jumping are avoided for the first four months.
Month 6
Side-to-side, pivoting and cutting movements are restricted until about six months after surgery.
Months 6–8
Recovery takes roughly six to eight months. Most patients return to their pre-injury activities.
Because the ACL does not heal on its own and cannot be sutured back to itself, a graft is used to reconstruct a new ligament. Graft choice depends on several factors, particularly age. Patients under 30 are generally recommended an autograft — their own tissue, most often the hamstring tendons. Patients over 30 typically receive an allograft, a donor graft.
Regardless of graft, the surgery itself is essentially the same.
Begin here
Call the office and our team will find a time that works for you.
(310) 855-0751