If you need anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) surgery, you’re certainly not alone. ACL injuries are common among people of all ages, from avid athletes and active individuals to weekend warriors and busy seniors. Oftentimes, surgical treatment is necessary to repair or reconstruct the ACL and restore comfortable movement.

So, if ACL surgery appears to be your best course of treatment, you’re likely wondering how long it will take to recover from the procedure. The recovery period looks different for every patient, but generally speaking, it takes about six months to one year to safely return to athletic activities. For less active individuals whose goals are to walk and perform everyday activities more comfortably, the recovery process may be shorter, about four months or so. Complying with all recovery guidelines following surgery is critical to achieving a positive outcome.

It’s important to note that no two patients are exactly alike, and there are multiple factors that influence ACL surgery recovery times. These factors include:

• What type of ACL surgery is performed (ligament repair or reconstruction)
• The surgical approach used (arthroscopic surgery or autograft surgery)
• The age and overall health of the patient
• The severity of the ACL injury
• If/how many surrounding structures are damaged
• The patient’s activity levels and recovery goals

What Happens During ACL Surgery?

The ACL is one of four main ligaments that support the knee, and runs diagonally across the front of the joint. When the ACL is significantly stretched, loosened, or partially or completely torn, surgery may be necessary to rebuild or replace the ligament.

The details of ACL surgery will vary. Repair surgery is typically only performed to address avulsion fractures, and involves reattaching a bone fragment that’s connected to the ACL back to the bone. Reconstruction surgery uses a ligament—either from a deceased donor or the patient’s own kneecap or hamstring—to replace a damaged ACL and restore function. ACL surgery may be performed under local or general anesthesia and typically does not require an overnight hospital stay.

ACL Surgery at Tampa Orthopaedic & Sports Medicine Group

ACL surgery, as well as non-surgical knee pain treatment options, are provided at Tampa Orthopaedic & Sports Medicine Group. A division of Florida Medical Clinic and the longest-operating orthopedic clinic in the Tampa area, our practice offers compassionate, patient-centric service from renowned specialists. Our team is led by orthopedic sports medicine surgeon Dr. Daniel Murphy and sports medicine physician Dr. Arnold Ramirez—two board-certified experts who also serve on the medical staffs of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the New York Yankees.

Learn about your ACL surgery options and make a confident decision about your joint health by visiting Tampa Orthopaedic & Sports Medicine Group. Our friendly professionals are here to answer any questions you may have and direct you to the best specialist for your needs. Our orthopedic center is conveniently located in South Tampa and accepts many health insurance plans, including Medicare.