Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction repairs the ligament through surgery. The ACL stabilizes the knee. It is a diagonal tissue joining the thigh bone to the shin bone. Since the ligament controls back-and-forth movement and provides stability, it is prone to injury from high-impact activities.

ACL injuries occur predominantly in sports that involve sudden stops, jumps, or changes in direction. Common causes include incorrect landing from a jump and intense collisions. If left untreated, torn ACLs often lead to limited knee mobility and intense pain.

ACL reconstructive surgery typically replaces the torn ACL with a tendon from another area of the leg, usually the patellar tendon or hamstring. Recovery time is generally months to a year, depending on the severity of the injury and the patient's overall health. Eighty percent of ACL patients experience infections, blood clots, or knee pain after surgery. Therefore, patients should keep in touch with their medical practitioners.