Once the ACL tears, it has usually sustained enough damage that attempts to repair it surgically are not successful. The type of procedure done may vary from patient to patient depending on a specific surgeon's preference as well a factors unique to an individual patient. The material used to reconstruct the ligament is called the graft. The two most commonly used autografts are the patellae tendon and the hamstrings tendons. The surgical procedure most commonly is done by arthroscopic-assisted techniques.
Physical therapy is done in a supervised setting in conjunction with a trained therapist.
Early in the course of recovery, visits may be 2 to 3 times per week, but later once every week or two is often sufficient. Home exercises are done on days not scheduled for a formal therapy session. The rehabilitation following ACL reconstruction includes essentially three phases. The first phase of rehabilitation consists of controlling the pain and swelling in the knee, regaining knee motion, and getting early return of muscle strength. The operated leg is typically placed into a hinged brace after surgery.