ACL Reconstruction Explained: What Happens During ACL Surgery?

Date: June 9, 2026

Learn how ACL tears happen, what ACL reconstruction involves, and how the procedure helps restore knee stability and function.

Ever Wondered What an ACL Surgery Looks Like?

The ACL (Anterior Cruciate Ligament) is one of the main ligaments that helps stabilize the knee by connecting the femur (thigh bone) to the tibia (shin bone).

When the ACL tears, it can lead to pain, instability, and difficulty returning to sports and physical activities.

How Do ACL Tears Happen?

ACL injuries commonly occur during:

• pivoting movements
• sudden changes of direction
• jumping and landing
• knee hyperextensionThese injuries are especially common in sports and can significantly affect knee stability.

A Torn Acl, Image Credit: Https://Www.healthdirect.gov.au/Surgery/Acl-Reconstruction
A torn ACL, Image Credit: https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/surgery/acl-reconstruction

What Is ACL Reconstruction?

ACL reconstruction is a procedure that replaces the damaged ligament with a tendon graft.

In many cases, surgeons use tendons from the hamstring muscles, including the gracilis and semitendinosus tendons, to create a new ACL.The damaged ligament is removed, tunnels are created in the femur and tibia, and the new graft is secured in place to restore stability to the knee.

Acl Reconstruction, Image Credit: Https://Phoenixshoulderandknee.com/The-Pros-And-Cons-Of-Having-An-Acl-Reconstruction/
ACL Reconstruction, Image Credit: https://phoenixshoulderandknee.com/the-pros-and-cons-of-having-an-acl-reconstruction/

Why Rehabilitation Matters

Recovery doesn't stop after surgery.

A structured rehabilitation program helps restore:

• knee strength
• mobility and range of motion
• balance and stability
• return-to-sport readiness

Rehabilitation plays a key role in helping patients regain confidence and function.

Final Thoughts

ACL reconstruction is a commonly performed procedure designed to restore knee stability after an ACL tear.

Understanding how the surgery works can help patients feel more informed about the injury, treatment, and recovery process.

Take the Next Step Toward Better Recovery

If you're recovering from an ACL injury or surgery, professional rehabilitation can help support your recovery journey.

Pain Free Health Clinic provides physiotherapy, rehabilitation, sports injury management, and recovery-focused care in:

📍 Richmond
📍 Ladner
📍 Surrey
📍 Langley

Book your assessment today.

See What Happens During ACL Surgery

Want more educational content about sports injuries, rehabilitation, movement, and recovery?

Follow Pain Free Health Clinic on YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok for more movement, rehabilitation, and wellness content.

What Our Patients Are Saying

pain-free-health-clinic-color logo
envelopephone-handset