ACL Reconstruction Explained: Why a Torn ACL Can Lead to Knee Replacement Later

Added: 2026-05-24

[00:00:00]Here's why a torn ACL can't just be stitched back together and what surgeons do instead.

[00:00:06]When the ACL is completely torn, the ligament fibers [music] pull apart and can't grow back together because of the synovial fluid, which stops the ligament from healing on its own.

[00:00:17]To begin, the damaged ACL tissue is carefully removed from the knee.

[00:00:23]Small tunnels are drilled through the femur, which is also known as the thigh bone, and then the shin bone, and forms a pathway for the new ligament.

[00:00:32]Part of your quad tendon is then carefully [music] harvested to create the new ACL graft.

[00:00:39]This new graft is prepared with strong sutures, so it can be guided [music] precisely into position inside the knee.

[00:00:46]Once ready, the new ligament is pulled through the tunnels that were drilled, >> [music] >> and a plastic or metal screw are inserted into the bone to secure the new ACL graft in place.

[00:00:57]This helps stabilize your knee and allows you to return to cutting and pivoting sports within 6 to 12 months.