THIS Is What ACL Reconstruction Surgery Actually Involves

In this video, Dr James O’Donovan — a UK-licensed medical doctor — explains what ACL reconstruction surgery actually involves. You’ll learn why the operation is performed, what happens before, during, and immediately after surgery, and what early recovery typically looks like. ACL reconstruction can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re unsure what the operation entails or how to prepare. This video is designed to help you feel informed, confident, and ready for the journey — whether you’re preparing for surgery yourself or supporting someone else. You’ll also learn how the graft is taken, why keyhole (arthroscopic) surgery is used, what physiotherapy looks like in the early stages, and the important warning signs to watch for during recovery. Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction 00:41 - What is an ACL reconstruction? 02:29 - What happens on the day of surgery? 03:13 - Recovering from ACL surgery 04:42 - How long does ACL surgery recovery take? 05:18 - Post-operative complications to be aware of 05:47 - Summary and conclusion Please remember that this video is for general education only. It is not personalised medical advice. Always follow the specific instructions given by your surgeon and physiotherapy team. Publication Date: 29 November 2025 Next Review Due: 29 November 2028 Conflict of Interest: At the time of publishing this video, there are no financial or non-financial conflicts of interest. Citations & Clinical References NHS, 2024. Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction – What happens. [online] Available at: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/acl-reconstruction/what-happens/ [Accessed 29 Nov. 2025]. NHS, 2024. ACL Reconstruction – Recovery Overview. [online] Available at: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/acl-reconstruction/recovery/ [Accessed 29 Nov. 2025]. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS), 2024. ACL Injury and Reconstruction. [online] Available at: https://orthoinfo.aaos.org [Accessed 29 Nov. 2025]. British Association for Surgery of the Knee (BASK), 2024. ACL Reconstruction Guidance. [online] Available at: https://baskonline.org [Accessed 29 Nov. 2025]. Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP), 2024. Knee Rehabilitation After Injury or Surgery. [online] Available at: https://www.csp.org.uk [Accessed 29 Nov. 2025]. Useful Resources (UK & USA) 🇬🇧 United Kingdom • NHS ACL surgery overview: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/acl-reconstruction • Physiotherapy resources (CSP): https://www.csp.org.uk • Versus Arthritis – Knee injuries and recovery: https://www.versusarthritis.org 🇺🇸 United States • AAOS patient guide to ACL surgery: https://orthoinfo.aaos.org • APTA – Find a physical therapist: https://www.choosept.com • Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) – ACL injury and recovery: https://www.hss.edu For urgent support: • UK NHS 111 (urgent medical advice): https://111.nhs.uk • US: Contact your surgeon, local urgent care, or emergency department if you’re concerned about infection, blood clots, or worsening symptoms. Accessibility Note This video has been created using clear, plain English and evidence-based explanations. Captions are available. We follow AoMRC, NHS, AAOS and APTA guidance on digital health literacy and accessibility. For Easy Read materials or alternative languages, please visit the NHS or AAOS websites linked above. Feedback and Public Comment Your experiences can help others. If you’re preparing for ACL surgery or recovering from it, please feel free to share your questions or story in the comments below. All viewer feedback is reviewed and helps inform future updates. Want to learn more? 📺 Watch next: ACL Surgery Recovery: What to Expect After the Operation - link: https://youtu.be/-AZ4RP4Jayk