Neurosurgeon
Neurosurgeon
KNEE | LAS VEGAS
Dr. Andrew Lee, MD | Nevada Spine Clinic, Las Vegas, Nevada
The anterior cruciate ligament runs diagonally through the center of the knee joint, connecting the femur to the tibia. It is the primary restraint against anterior translation of the tibia and plays a critical role in rotational stability of the knee.
The ACL is most commonly torn during sports involving sudden deceleration, pivoting, or direct contact. When torn, the ACL does not heal on its own due to poor blood supply within the joint, making reconstruction necessary for patients who wish to return to pivoting sport or who experience functional instability.
Not all ACL tears require reconstruction. Older sedentary patients or those with low activity demands may manage well with physical therapy and activity modification. Dr. Andrew Lee at Nevada Spine Clinic in Las Vegas evaluates each patient’s activity goals, instability, and associated injuries before recommending surgery.
When surgery is elected, appropriate timing allows initial swelling to resolve and range of motion to be restored before reconstruction, which improves outcomes.
ACL reconstruction replaces the torn ligament with graft tissue that replicates the function of the native ACL. Dr. Andrew Lee performs ACL reconstruction arthroscopically at Southern Hills Hospital in Las Vegas.
The most common graft choices include the patellar tendon, hamstring tendons, or quadriceps tendon from the patient’s own knee, or allograft tissue from a donor. Each option has advantages and considerations that Dr. Lee discusses based on patient age, activity level, and anatomy.
Tunnels are drilled in the femur and tibia at the native ACL attachment sites. The graft is passed through these tunnels and secured with fixation devices that hold it in place while it heals and remodels into a functional ligament over six to nine months.
Rehabilitation following ACL reconstruction is a nine to twelve month process. Early phases focus on reducing swelling, restoring range of motion, and activating the quadriceps. Progressive strengthening, proprioception training, and sport-specific exercises follow in subsequent phases.
Return to sport is cleared based on functional testing rather than time alone. Most athletes return to full sport at nine to twelve months following ACL reconstruction.
Most patients notice improvement in knee stability from the early post-operative period. Full confidence in the knee during pivoting activity takes several months of progressive rehabilitation.
The graft undergoes a biological remodeling process called ligamentization over the first year following surgery. Premature return to sport before this process is complete increases the risk of graft failure.
No bathtub, swimming, or hot tub until cleared by Dr. Lee.
Arthroscopic portal and graft harvest incisions require standard wound care. Keep incisions dry until cleared by Dr. Lee. Monitor for signs of infection.
Ice and elevation are helpful during early recovery to manage swelling. Anti-inflammatory medications are prescribed for the early post-operative period.
Use crutches and the prescribed brace during early recovery. Follow the rehabilitation protocol prescribed by Dr. Lee carefully. Do not return to sport until specifically cleared.
Contact Nevada Spine Clinic or go to the emergency room for sudden knee swelling, locking, fever, or wound changes.
No bathtub, swimming, or hot tub until cleared by Dr. Lee.
Dr. Andrew Lee, MD | Nevada Spine Clinic, Las Vegas
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