ACL Reconstruction
ACL Reconstruction Surgery –
Specialist Orthopaedic Knee Care
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 instability, 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 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. Each treatment decision is based on the individual injury, lifestyle and long term goals.
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.
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.
Why Choose Us
Why Choose Dr Quang Dao for ACL Reconstruction
Dedicated Knee Surgery Focus
Dr Dao’s practice is dedicated to knee conditions including ACL reconstruction, meniscus repair and cartilage restoration. His focus allows continuous improvement of surgical precision and patient outcomes.
Advanced Fellowship Training
Dr Dao completed orthopaedic training in Sydney followed by advanced fellowships in Portland, Oregon and Boston including Harvard-associated hospitals. This global exposure shaped his expertise across both adult and paediatric knee injuries.
Caring for Active and Sporting Patients
Many of Dr Dao’s patients are athletes or physically active individuals. As an active person himself he understands the physical and mental importance of returning to movement with full confidence.
Personalised Surgical Planning
Dr Dao completed orthopaedic training in Sydney followed by advanced fellowships in Portland, Oregon and Boston including Harvard-associated hospitals. This global exposure shaped his expertise across both adult and paediatric knee injuries.
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.
Liverpool
Penrith
Sydney
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?
The procedure usually takes about one to two hours depending on graft type and injury complexity. Patients often return home the following day with physiotherapy starting right after surgery.
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.