ACL Reconstruction
ACL Reconstruction Surgeon in Houston, TX
ACL reconstruction is a minimally invasive surgical procedure designed to restore stability and function to the knee after an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear. Mark S. Adickes, MD provides advanced ACL reconstruction in Houston, Texas, helping athletes and active individuals return to sports safely with improved strength, mobility, and confidence.
What Is ACL Reconstruction?
ACL reconstruction is a procedure in which a torn anterior cruciate ligament is replaced with a graft, typically using tendon tissue from the patient or a donor. The ACL is a key stabilizing ligament in the knee that controls forward movement and rotation. When it tears, it does not heal on its own, often leading to instability and difficulty with physical activity.
This procedure restores joint stability and allows many patients to return to sports, work, and daily activities with confidence.
Who Is a Candidate for ACL Reconstruction?
You may be a candidate for ACL reconstruction if you have:
- A confirmed ACL tear with ongoing instability
- A feeling that the knee is "giving out" during activity
- Pain, swelling, or limited mobility after injury
- Difficulty returning to sports or an active lifestyle
- Lack of improvement with physical therapy or conservative care
ACL injuries are common in sports that involve pivoting, cutting, or sudden direction changes.
Why Timely Treatment Matters
Without proper treatment, an ACL tear can lead to additional damage in the knee, including meniscus and cartilage injuries. Early evaluation helps determine the best course of treatment and can improve long-term joint health and performance.
How is an ACL tear diagnosed?
How quickly after an injury should the ACL be fixed?
What are some of the reasons that an ACL surgery can be quicker or delayed longer?
How do you determine what graft to use when making a new ACL?
Why do you fix the ACL?
Why do you have to do surgery to repair an ACL?
Why doesn’t the ACL repair on its own?
The ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) is one of the major stabilizing ligaments in the knee. It is a strong rope like structure located in the center of the knee running from the femur to the tibia. When this ligament tears, unfortunately, it doesn’t heal and often leads to the feeling of instability in the knee.
ACL Reconstruction Surgery
ACL reconstruction is performed under general anesthesia in most instances. The surgical repair is performed through small incisions. A small tube with a camera on the end is inserted through one incision and tiny surgical instruments are inserted through the others. During the procedure, the damaged ligament is replaced with graft tissue that may come from another part of the body or a tissue bank. This graft is secured on one end to the shinbone and on the other end to the thighbone. Over time, new ligament tissue will grow along the graft, improving joint stability and function.
A successful reconstruction of the ACL includes follow-up that involves rigorous rehabilitation (physical therapy). In combination, ACL surgery and rehab are expected to improve comfort and range of motion in the injured knee within a few weeks. The function of the knee continues to improve for up to one year, after which full activity may be resumed, even for athletes.
How to Know if You Need ACL Surgery
If you have suffered a known injury to your knee after a sharp turn or twist, and the symptoms of your injury have not improved with conservative therapies, you may need ACL surgery to restore proper movement to the knee joint. Signs of an ACL tear include a popping sound, knee stiffness that limits range of motion, pain, and a sensation of the knee “giving out” when weight-bearing. The best way to determine if surgery would serve your immediate and long-term needs is to consult with Dr. Adickes. He has an extensive knowledge of knee injuries and the variety of treatment options available for them.
Recovery from ACL Surgery
Recovery is gradual after ACL surgery. For the first two weeks, physical activity may focus primarily on performing prescribed exercises to support circulation through the joint and rehabilitation of muscles and tendons around it. From week two to week four, a brace may be worn to facilitate weight-bearing movements. A physical therapy program may begin four to eight weeks after surgery an continue for several weeks. Full recovery from ACL surgery can take up to six months.
Dr. Adickes serves patients in Houston TX with knee injury treatments. Contact him at
Benefits of ACL Reconstruction
- Restores knee stability and control
- Helps prevent further joint damage
- Enables return to sports and active lifestyles
- Improves confidence in movement and performance
- Proven, reliable treatment for ACL injuries
ACL reconstruction remains the most common and effective surgical option for restoring knee function after ligament tears.
Why Choose Dr. Adickes for ACL Reconstruction in Houston?
Patients choose Mark S. Adickes, MD for his specialized expertise in sports medicine and athlete-focused care. As a fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon and former professional athlete, he understands the physical demands of recovery and performance. His approach emphasizes minimally invasive techniques, individualized care, and helping patients safely return to the activities they enjoy.
Serving Houston and Surrounding Communities
Conveniently located in Houston, TX, this practice serves patients throughout the area, including Katy, Sugar Land, The Woodlands, Memorial, and nearby communities.
When to Consider ACL Surgery
If your knee feels unstable, painful, or unable to support your activity level after an injury, it may be time to consider surgical evaluation. Addressing ACL injuries early can help prevent long-term complications and support a more complete recovery.
Frequently Asked Questions About ACL Reconstruction
What happens if a torn ACL is not treated?
An untreated ACL tear can lead to ongoing knee instability and may increase the risk of additional injuries, including meniscus tears and cartilage damage.
Is ACL reconstruction always necessary?
Not always. Some patients can manage with physical therapy, but surgery is often recommended for active individuals or those experiencing instability.
How long does ACL reconstruction surgery take?
The procedure typically takes about 60 to 90 minutes, depending on the complexity of the injury.
When can I walk after ACL surgery?
Many patients begin walking with assistance shortly after surgery, often within a few days, depending on their recovery plan.
When can I return to sports after ACL reconstruction?
Return to sports usually occurs around 6 to 9 months after surgery, once strength, stability, and function are restored.
Is ACL surgery painful?
Some discomfort is expected after surgery, but pain is typically manageable with medication and improves as healing progresses.
If you’ve experienced a knee injury or suspect an ACL tear, schedule a consultation with Dr. Mark Adickes to explore advanced treatment options and begin your recovery.
