ACL Surgery

Surgical Treatment for ACL Injuries, Knee Instability, and Return to Activity

An ACL tear can be a major injury, especially for patients who want to return to pivoting sports, skiing, soccer, hockey, basketball, or physically demanding work. While some ACL injuries can be managed without surgery, many patients continue to experience instability, giving way, or lack of confidence in the knee.

Ortho South offers private ACL reconstruction surgery for appropriate patients who want timely assessment, clear guidance, and access to experienced orthopedic surgeons.

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What Is ACL Reconstruction?

The anterior cruciate ligament, or ACL, is one of the main stabilizing ligaments of the knee. When it tears, the knee may feel unstable, especially with twisting, pivoting, cutting, or sudden changes in direction.

ACL reconstruction is a surgical procedure where the torn ligament is replaced with a graft. This graft may come from the patient’s own tissue or from donor tissue, depending on the patient, surgeon recommendation, and individual circumstances.

The goal of surgery is to restore knee stability, protect the knee from repeated giving-way episodes, and support a safe return to work, sport, and activity.

ACL Injuries Are Often More Than “Just an ACL Tear”

One of the most important things to understand about ACL surgery is that no two cases are exactly the same. Many ACL injuries also involve damage to other structures in the knee, including:

Meniscus Tears

Cartilage Injuries

Other Ligament Injuries

Bone Bruising or Impact Injuries

Early Arthritis or Pre-Existing Knee Damage

In many cases, ACL reconstruction is performed along with additional procedures. For example, a large proportion of ACL reconstructions also require treatment of a meniscus tear, and many patients may need a meniscus repair rather than simply an ACL reconstruction alone.

This is one of the reasons pricing can vary significantly. The final surgical plan depends on the full pattern of injury, the MRI findings, the patient’s symptoms, and what is found at the time of surgery.

Common Procedures Performed With ACL Reconstruction

Depending on the injury, ACL surgery may include:

  • ACL reconstruction
  • Meniscus repair
  • Meniscus trimming or partial meniscectomy
  • Cartilage treatment
  • Treatment of additional ligament injuries
  • Extra-articular stabilization procedures in select cases

Your surgeon will review your imaging, examine your knee, and explain which procedures may be required in your specific case.

Who May Benefit From ACL Reconstruction?

ACL reconstruction may be considered for patients who have:

  • Ongoing knee instability
  • Recurrent giving-way episodes
  • A desire to return to pivoting or cutting sports
  • Physically demanding work requirements
  • Combined ACL and meniscus injuries
  • High activity goals where knee stability is important

Not every ACL tear requires surgery. Some lower-demand patients, or patients who do not experience instability, may do well with physiotherapy and activity modification. The right decision depends on your goals, knee stability, associated injuries, and overall joint health.

Recovery After ACL Surgery

Recovery from ACL reconstruction is a structured process and usually takes many months. Early recovery focuses on swelling control, range of motion, walking, and restoring basic knee function. Strengthening and sport-specific rehabilitation are gradually added over time.

Return to running, pivoting sports, and high-demand activity is not immediate. Most patients require a detailed rehabilitation program and a careful return-to-sport plan.

Your surgeon and physiotherapy team will guide your recovery based on the procedure performed, especially if a meniscus repair or other additional procedure is required.

Why Choose Ortho South?

Ortho South helps patients access private orthopedic care without needing a referral. We work with experienced orthopedic surgeons and surgical facilities in Calgary and Vancouver to provide timely assessment and treatment options for knee injuries, including ACL tears.

Our goal is to help patients understand their diagnosis, their treatment options, the expected recovery, and the factors that may affect cost and timing before moving forward with surgery.

Book a Consultation

If you have an ACL tear or ongoing knee instability, you can book a consultation with Ortho South to review your imaging, discuss your symptoms, and determine whether ACL reconstruction is appropriate for you.

No referral is required.

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Questions About Our Services?

Contact our team to learn more about consultations, surgical procedures, locations, pricing, or appointment availability.

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