08/20/2026
What happens after an ACL tear depends on more than the ACL itself.
Meniscus or cartilage damage, other injuries, knee instability, and your activity goals all play a role in deciding whether surgery is needed.
When ACL reconstruction is recommended, the goal is to restore stability and help you get back to the activities you enjoy.
Your treatment should be tailored to your knee, not just your MRI.
In younger, active patients ACL reconstruction is usually recommended to help patients get back to their level of pre-injury activity.