◉ German Board Certified◉ FIFA Diploma◉ DKG◉ AGA◉ GOTS
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Dr. Yousef Muhammad — Orthopaedic SurgeonPhone +966 11 522 2222
Procedure Guide

ACL Reconstruction

Restoring stability. Returning you to the life you love.

ACL reconstruction is a minimally invasive procedure that replaces a torn anterior cruciate ligament with a strong graft to restore knee stability and function.

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ACL reconstruction video placeholder3D Animation (1:02)Watch how ACL reconstruction is performed
17+YEARS ORTHOPAEDIC EXPERIENCE
10,000+SUCCESSFUL PROCEDURES · KNEE & SHOULDER
German BoardCERTIFIED ORTHOPAEDIC SURGEON
DKG · AGA · GOTSCERTIFIED SPECIALIST
FIFA DiplomaFOOTBALL MEDICINE
Learn about the procedure

Watch. Understand. Feel Confident.

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ACL Reconstruction — 3D Animation

See how the procedure is performed step-by-step in this animation.

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Surgical Technique (Real Footage)

For medical professionals: watch the arthroscopic ACL reconstruction technique.

For Medical Professionals
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ACL Recovery & Rehabilitation

Learn about the recovery timeline and return to sport with a structured rehab program.

Minimally Invasive
Day Care Surgery
60–90 Minutes
Faster Recovery
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Surgical Steps (Overview)

1
Graft Harvest

The graft (usually hamstring tendon) is carefully harvested.

2
Tunnel Preparation

Tunnels are drilled in the femur and tibia at the anatomical sites.

3
Graft Passage

The graft is passed through the tunnels and positioned accurately.

4
Graft Fixation

The graft is secured with interference screws or suspensory fixation.

5
Final Stability Test

Stability is tested to ensure the graft is secure and the knee moves well.

Recovery Timeline (Week by Week)

Week 1Reduce swelling · Pain control · Crutch walking · Quad activation
Week 2–4Improve range of motion · Begin strengthening · Balance training
Week 4–8Better strength & control · Functional exercises · Cycling / elliptical
Month 3+Advanced strengthening · Plyometrics · Light sport activities
Month 6+Return to sport · Full activity without limits*
Overview

When the ACL is torn, the knee can become unstable, making it difficult to perform daily activities or return to sport. During ACL reconstruction, the torn ligament is replaced with a graft through small incisions using an arthroscopic technique.

The goal is to restore stability, prevent further injury, and help you return to your activities safely.

Is ACL reconstruction right for you?
  • Knee instability or “giving way”
  • Torn ACL confirmed by MRI
  • Difficulty returning to sport or an active lifestyle
  • Failure to improve with physiotherapy
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Preparing for ACL surgery
  • PrehabilitationImprove motion and reduce swelling before surgery
  • Plan your recoveryArrange transport and support at home
  • Medication reviewDiscuss medications and supplements with your surgical team
  • Day of surgeryFollow your clinic’s instructions for fasting and arrival
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Every ACL injury is unique. My goal is not just to reconstruct the ligament, but to restore confidence, performance and long-term knee health. An individualised approach, precise technique and dedicated rehabilitation are the keys to the best possible outcome.

Dr. Yousef Muhammad
Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon
Dr. Yousef Muhammad

Questions & Answers

Is ACL reconstruction painful?
Discomfort is well controlled with modern anaesthetic and pain-relief protocols. Most patients are surprised how manageable the first days are, and pain settles steadily over the first two weeks.
Will I be able to play football again?
The large majority of patients return to pivoting sports such as football. Return is criteria-based — guided by strength and movement testing — and typically happens between 9 and 12 months.
When can I return to sport?
Light activity resumes within weeks, running at around 3–4 months, and full pivoting sport at 9–12 months once strength and control targets are met.
Can the ACL tear again after surgery?
Re-injury is uncommon but possible, especially with an early return. Completing rehabilitation in full and passing return-to-sport testing is the best protection.
Which graft is best for me?
There is no single best graft. Hamstring, patellar-tendon and quadriceps grafts each have advantages; the choice is individualised to your anatomy, sport and goals.
What are the possible risks of the surgery?
As with any surgery there are risks — including stiffness, infection, graft re-injury and blood clots — all uncommon and actively minimised through technique, prophylaxis and a structured rehabilitation programme.

Note: This information is for general education only and should not replace a consultation with your doctor.

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