Does a sports medicine perform acl reconstruction?

The anterior cruciate ligament helps control forward movement and rotation of the knee. During reconstruction, a surgeon removes the damaged ligament remnants when needed and creates a replacement using a tendon graft. Assessment includes knee stability, swelling, range of motion, muscle control, activity goals, and any meniscus or cartilage injury. Some people begin with rehabilitation and activity changes; surgery is considered according to instability, sport or work demands, and the condition of the knee.

See a sports medicine specialist who treats knee injuries and ask whether they perform the operation or coordinate it with an orthopaedic surgeon. Bring imaging and details of the injury, giving-way episodes, work, and sports. Before surgery, rehabilitation often focuses on reducing swelling and restoring movement and strength. Discuss graft options, preparation, crutches, driving, return to work, and the staged rehabilitation plan.

Seek prompt care after an injury if the knee is visibly deformed, becomes suddenly very swollen, cannot bear weight, or is accompanied by a cold, pale, or numb foot. After reconstruction, urgent review is needed for calf swelling with chest symptoms, fever, wound drainage, or a newly locked or very painful knee.

Ask whether the ACL tear is complete, whether other knee structures are injured, and how instability affects your plan. Clarify graft selection, anaesthesia, physiotherapy milestones, brace use, return to sport, and symptoms that should lead to an urgent call.