Whether you are an athlete looking to return to competition or an active adult who wants to regain knee stability, our sports medicine and orthopedic surgeons provide individualized ACL care — from non-surgical rehabilitation to arthroscopic reconstruction.
The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) runs diagonally through the center of the knee and is one of the primary ligaments responsible for rotational stability. ACL tears most often occur during activities involving sudden pivoting, cutting, jumping, or stopping — such as soccer, basketball, football, and skiing.
When the ACL tears, patients often hear or feel a "pop" in the knee, followed by rapid swelling, instability, and inability to bear weight. MRI is the gold standard for confirming the tear and evaluating associated injuries to the meniscus or cartilage.
ACL injuries are classified by grade: Grade I (stretch), Grade II (partial tear), and Grade III (complete rupture). Most complete tears in active patients require surgical reconstruction to restore stability.
A loud "pop" heard or felt at the time of injury
Rapid swelling in the knee within the first few hours
A feeling of the knee "giving way" or feeling unstable
Pain and inability to bear weight immediately after injury
Loss of full range of motion in the knee
Some patients — particularly those who are less active or have partial tears — can manage well with physical therapy and bracing. A structured rehabilitation program focuses on quadriceps and hamstring strengthening to compensate for ACL deficiency.
ACL reconstruction replaces the torn ligament with a graft — typically taken from your own hamstring tendon (autograft) or from donor tissue (allograft). The procedure is arthroscopic and performed as an outpatient surgery. Graft selection is tailored to your age, activity level, and goals.
ACL tears frequently occur alongside meniscus tears or cartilage damage. Our surgeons are experienced in treating combined injuries during a single procedure, reducing overall recovery time and optimizing long-term knee health.
A structured, criterion-based return-to-sport protocol ensures you are biomechanically ready to return safely. Clearance is based on objective strength and functional testing, not just time elapsed.
Sports medicine specialist focused on ACL injuries and knee conditions in athletes and active patients, with expertise in return-to-sport protocols.
Orthopedic sports medicine surgeon with extensive experience in ACL reconstruction and complex knee ligament injuries.
Board-certified orthopedic surgeon treating knee injuries including ACL tears and combined ligament injuries requiring surgical management.
Not always. Non-surgical management with physical therapy and bracing may be appropriate for less active individuals or partial tears. However, most active patients and athletes who want to return to cutting or pivoting sports typically benefit from ACL reconstruction surgery to restore knee stability.
Return to sport typically takes 9 to 12 months. The first 2 to 3 months focus on reducing swelling and restoring range of motion. Sport-specific training begins around 4 to 6 months, with return-to-play clearance based on strength testing.
Graft options include your own patellar tendon, hamstring tendon (autograft), or donor tissue (allograft). The choice depends on your age, activity level, sport, and personal preferences. Our surgeons discuss the pros and cons of each option during your consultation.
Yes. ACL reconstruction and rehabilitation are covered by most major insurance plans when medically indicated. We accept most insurance and can verify your benefits before your appointment.
Full overview of knee conditions and procedures — from ACL reconstruction to total knee replacement.
Non-surgical sports medicine evaluation and treatment for athletes and active adults of all levels.
A guide to recognizing knee pain symptoms that warrant specialist evaluation.
Restore Orthopedics & Spine is located in Orange, CA, serving patients throughout Orange County including Irvine, Anaheim, Santa Ana, Fullerton, Tustin, Huntington Beach, Newport Beach, Costa Mesa, Garden Grove, Yorba Linda, Brea, and Placentia, as well as Los Angeles County communities including La Habra, Whittier, Downey, Cerritos, and Long Beach. We also welcome patients from Riverside and San Bernardino counties.
Same-week evaluations. On-site MRI. Expert surgical and non-surgical care.