ACL Surgery
ACL Surgery Services Offered in Houston, TX
Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears are a common knee injury. When you have an ACL injury, Alain E. Elbaz, MD, PLLC, in Houston, Texas, performs ACL surgery using the most advanced and least invasive techniques. An ACL tear can’t heal on its own, and surgery is the only option for people who live an active lifestyle. To schedule a consultation with the board-certified orthopedic surgeon, call or book online today. Telemedicine consultations are available.
ACL Surgery Q&A
What is ACL surgery?
Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) surgery is the primary treatment for an ACL tear. The ACL is a ligament that connects the thighbone to the shinbone. This ligament stabilizes your knee and allows you to move your leg back and forth.
Any sudden stop or pivot of the knee may tear the ACL, causing a sprain. ACL tears vary in severity, from a mild stretching to a partial or complete tear. Most ACL injuries are a partial or complete tear.
Who needs ACL surgery?
Dr. Elbaz is a skilled orthopedic surgeon who takes a conservative approach to care. He determines who needs ACL surgery based on the severity of the tear, lifestyle, and personal goals.
He may recommend surgery if you have a complete tear and live an active lifestyle. If you have a partial tear, Dr. Elbaz may recommend conservative care first before proceeding to surgery.
Older adults and people who don’t engage in rigorous physical activity may not need ACL surgery, even if they have a complete tear.
Incomplete or partial tears of the ACL can be treated with regenerative cells in the office. Dr. Elbaz is a recognized expert in regenerative orthopedics and offers innovative therapies that stimulate the body’s natural healing process. He can talk to you about these nonsurgical options and how they may help with your ACL injury.
What happens during ACL surgery?
Dr. Elbaz customizes your ACL surgery plan to meet your needs and reviews the details at your presurgical visit. When possible, he uses minimally invasive techniques to limit surgical incision size, post-surgical pain, and recovery time.
If you have a complete ACL tear, Dr. Elbaz recommends having surgery three to six weeks after your injury. During the procedure, Dr. Elbaz reconstructs your ACL using graft tissue from your hamstring, quadriceps, patellar tendon, or a human donor tendon.
How long does it take to recover from ACL surgery?
Recovery following ACL surgery usually takes 6–9 months. You can walk with crutches and a leg brace immediately following your surgery. Dr. Elbaz has you start a rehabilitation program right away to support the healing process.
Dr. Elbaz may also include regenerative orthopedics during your recovery to support the body’s healing process. This may include platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy or Lipogems® adipose/fat therapy.
To schedule an ACL surgery consultation at Alain E. Elbaz, MD, PLLC, call or use the online booking tool today.