ACL Reconstruction
ACL Reconstruction Surgery –
Specialist Orthopaedic Knee Care
Dr Quang Dao — Orthopaedic Knee Surgeon
BMedSci, MBBS, FRACS, FAOrthA
Advanced ACL reconstruction to restore knee stability and support a safe return to activity.
ACL reconstruction surgery may be recommended for patients experiencing ongoing knee pain, difficulty returning to sport or repeated episodes of the knee giving way following an ACL tear. A structured surgical approach aims to restore stability, protect long-term joint health and support a safe return to activity.
Dr Quang Dao is a specialist orthopaedic knee surgeon with a focused practice in ACL reconstruction, meniscus surgery and arthroscopic knee procedures. Patients from Liverpool, Penrith and across Sydney seek specialist care when considering ACL surgery.
Education
Understanding the ACL and Its Role in Knee Stability
For patients exploring surgery it can help to first understand how the ACL functions and why its injury leads to instability. The ACL connects the femur to the tibia and plays a critical role in maintaining knee control during pivoting, landing and direction changes.
For a detailed visual guide explaining how the ACL supports knee motion and what happens when it is torn, visit Dr Quang Dao's educational article:
- Understanding the Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) Anatomy
When Surgery Is Needed
When ACL Reconstruction Surgery Is Recommended
Surgery may be considered when rehabilitation alone does not restore stability or when patients wish to return to higher levels of sport or physical activity.
Common Reasons for ACL Reconstruction
Persistent instability
Desire to return to sport
Combined injuries involving the meniscus or cartilage
Recurrent knee giving-way episodes
The Procedure
The ACL Reconstruction Procedure
ACL reconstruction is typically performed using arthroscopic techniques. The damaged ligament is replaced with a graft to restore knee stability. Surgical planning focuses on precision, alignment and long term function.
Modern Arthroscopic Techniques
Arthroscopy allows the procedure to be performed through small incisions, helping improve visualisation and reduce disruption to surrounding tissues. Different graft options are available for ACL reconstructions, including quadriceps tendon, hamstrings, patellar tendon, iliotibial band or allograft.
Recovery
Recovery and Rehabilitation After ACL Surgery
Recovery following ACL reconstruction involves structured physiotherapy, progressive strengthening and gradual return to activity. Rehabilitation plans are tailored to each patient and may vary depending on sport, lifestyle and surgical findings.
Returning to Sport and Activity
Return-to-sport timelines vary between individuals. A staged rehabilitation program helps optimise strength, movement control and confidence during recovery. Several criteria must be met before patients are allowed to safely return to sports. They include a stable knee to clinical examination and mechanical testing with GNRB, high scores with Patient-Reported Outcome Measures, normal MRI scans, and successfully completing the Return to Sport Test.
Why Choose Us
Why Choose a Specialist ACL Knee Surgeon
Focused Knee Surgery Practice
Dr Quang Dao's practice focuses exclusively on knee conditions, including ACL reconstruction, meniscus surgery using minimally invasive techniques and surgery such as arthroscopy.
Comprehensive Surgical Planning
Each surgical plan is tailored to the individual, considering injury pattern, activity level, patient preferences, scans and longterm knee health.
Extensive Surgery experience and training as an Orthopaedic Surgeon
Dr Quang completed his orthopaedic training in Sydney before undertaking advanced subspecialty fellowship training in Portland, Oregon, followed by a second fellowship in Boston, including time associated at Harvard University. This rigorous international training has shaped his highly specialised expertise in knee surgery across both adult and paediatric patients.
He operates regularly at leading Sydney hospitals managing a broad range of complex knee conditions and acute injuries and as a resultrespected for his integrity, surgical judgementand longstanding professional relationships with referring doctors and specialists.
Knee Expert with Sports and Active Patients
A large proportion of Dr Quang Dao’s ACL reconstruction patients are athletes or highly active individuals seeking durable joint stability and a safe return to high-level performance. As an athletic and active person, Dr Quang Dao understands the physical and psychological importance of returning to sport.
He is proud that many of his patients successfully resume competitive and recreational activities, going on to enjoy fulfilling athletic careers without ongoing knee limitations following surgery.
When patients can sprint, jump and trust their knee again — that’s when their confidence takes a big leap, that is when we’ve truly succeeded.
— Dr Quang Dao
Locations
ACL Surgery for Patients Across Sydney,
Liverpool and Penrith
Consultations for ACL reconstruction are available in Liverpool and Penrith, with many patients travelling from across Sydney for specialist knee surgery.
Related Knee Conditions
ACL injuries may occur alongside meniscus tears or cartilage damage. Combined treatment planning helps ensure all aspects of the knee are addressed during surgery.
- ACL Injuries & Treatment
- Meniscus Surgery
- ACL Reconstruction Surgery
- Arthroscopic Knee Surgery
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions About ACL Reconstruction Surgery
How long does ACL reconstruction surgery take?
Procedure times vary depending on the individual case. Details are discussed during consultation.
Is ACL surgery always necessary?
Not all ACL injuries require surgery. Recommendations are based on stability, activity level and patient goals. In selected patients, Dr Quang Dao will advise the novel Cross Bracing protocol for non-surgical treatment of ACL tears.
Can Sydney patients book ACL surgery consultations?
Yes. Many patients from across Sydney attend consultations in Liverpool or Penrith.
What graft options are available?
Grafts may be taken from the hamstring, patellar tendon, iliotibial band or quadriceps tendon. The choice depends on your age, injury pattern, occupation, the type of sport you play and long-term function goals. Dr Quang Dao discusses the best option during consultation.
Can I return to my previous sport level?
Many athletes return to their original sport level or higher following structured rehabilitation that develops both strength and confidence. Learn more about returning to sport ›
When can I start jogging or running?
Light jogging may begin between three and six months depending on other associated structural damage and progress. Dr Quang Dao recommends working closely with your physiotherapist before attempting jogging. Each stage is guided by objective strength markers and control tests rather than time alone.
Is it safe to play pivoting sports like football or netball again?
Yes, but only after full recovery of muscle symmetry, balance and sport specific agility. Patients must be pain free, successfully completed a series of Patient Reported Outcome Measures, have a stable knee to physical examination and a normal ACL graft on MRI scans. Pivoting sports are high risk for re-injury so graded progression and monitoring are essential.
How often do ACL grafts fail or re-tear?
Graft failure rates are low when surgery is technically sound and rehabilitation is completed. Most re-injuries occur when reconstruction was not performed properly, return-to-play criteria are rushed or other knee structures remain weak.
Can young athletes undergo ACL reconstruction?
Yes. Growth sensitive surgical techniques allow safe, effective reconstruction in paediatric and adolescent athletes with open growth plates. Dr Quang Dao has specific fellowship experience managing these younger patients. Some of his ACL patients are as young as eight years old.
What can I do to prevent a second ACL injury?
Preventive programs that include balance, jumping mechanics and hip stability training greatly reduce recurrence. Dr Quang Dao works closely with physiotherapists to design sport-specific prevention strategies. Some of the more popular injury prevention programs include Soccer FIFA11+, Netball KNEE Program, AFL Footy First and Smart Rugby.
How different is athlete recovery from general patient recovery?
Athlete recovery programs are more performance focused and include high level movement retraining, strength testing and sport simulation drills before clearance to play.
Can non-surgical treatment ever be enough?
Yes, for low demand individuals or partial tears physiotherapy can restore stability. Dr Quang Dao works closely with Dr Tom Cross who developed the Cross Bracing Protocol for non-surgical treatment of ACL ruptures. In selected patients, Dr Quang Dao will implement the bracing protocol or refer patients to Dr Cross. However most athletes often need reconstruction to confidently perform in dynamic sports.
Next Steps for ACL
Reconstruction Consultation
If you are considering ACL reconstruction surgery or would like a specialist opinion, a consultation can help clarify diagnosis, treatment options and recovery expectations.