About this video
Last updated: 9 October 2026
Before surgery, assessment includes a physical examination and an MRI scan to confirm the diagnosis and check for other injuries such as meniscus or cartilage damage. The video says not every ACL tear requires surgery. Rehabilitation alone may be appropriate if the knee feels stable and pivoting sports are not played.
Key points
- Not every ACL tear needs surgery; rehabilitation alone may be appropriate when the knee feels stable and no pivoting sports are played.
- Graft options include the hamstring tendons, the patellar tendon or, in certain cases, donor tissue; the video says the right one depends on anatomy, goals and lifestyle.
- ACL reconstruction is usually done by keyhole surgery (arthroscopy), typically under general anaesthetic, and the video says for most patients it is day surgery.
- Recovery is described as gradual, moving from swelling and movement to strength and control and then more dynamic exercise.
Questions this video answers
Do I always need surgery for an ACL tear?
The video says not every ACL tear requires surgery. Rehabilitation alone may be appropriate if the knee feels stable and pivoting sports are not played. If instability affects daily life, or higher-demand activities are the goal, surgery may be recommended.
What happens after ACL surgery?
The video describes a gradual recovery guided by a structured rehabilitation plan. A brace or crutches are used as needed and gentle motion exercises start early. Later stages build strength and control, then add more dynamic exercises such as light jogging and controlled agility work.
