ACL Repair Surgeon in Salem, Oregon
ACL Repair vs. Reconstruction: What’s the Difference?
When it comes to treating an ACL tear, two primary surgical options exist: ACL repair and ACL reconstruction. While reconstruction has long been considered the gold standard, recent advancements in surgical techniques have made ACL repair a viable option in select cases.
ACL Repair: Preserving the Native Ligament
ACL repair involves reattaching the torn ligament back to the bone, often using anchors or sutures. This technique is typically only suitable when the ligament has torn cleanly from the bone — particularly at its origin — and the tissue quality is good.
Why Choose Repair?
- Preserves native tissue, including nerves and blood supply. This may help with a more natural feeling knee, with preserved proprioception (the ability to feel the knee in space)
- Faster recovery and rehabilitation timeline in many cases
- Less invasive, with less trauma to surrounding tissues
- No need for graft harvesting, which can reduce post-op pain
- Ideal for patients with proximal avulsion tears (when the ligament tears off the bone at the femur).
ACL Reconstruction: The Traditional Gold Standard
In ACL reconstruction, the damaged ligament is completely replaced with a graft. This graft may come from the patient (autograft) — typically the hamstring, patellar, or quadriceps tendon — or from a donor (allograft).
Why Choose Reconstruction?
- Suitable for most ACL tears, including midsubstance or complex tears
- Offers excellent long-term outcomes and return-to-sport success
- Ideal when the ligament is too damaged to repair
- Time-tested with decades of clinical research supporting its effectiveness
How We Decide: Repair or Reconstruction?
Choosing between ACL repair and reconstruction depends on multiple factors, including:
Repair May Be Preferred:
- Proximal avulsion (near femur)
- Good, healthy ligament tissue
- Acute injuries (within a couple months)
- Moderate to High intensity level activity
Reconstruction May Be Preferred:
- Midsubstance or complex tears
- Poor, frayed, or degenerated tissue
- Chronic instability or failed prior repairs
- High-demand athletes
Our team uses detailed imaging, arthroscopic evaluation, and your personal goals to determine the best approach. In many cases, we also offer biological augmentation techniques (e.g., internal bracing, biologics, BEAR procedure) to improve the success of repairs.
My Commitment to Personalized ACL Care
I don’t believe in a one-size-fits-all solution. Every knee, injury, and patient is different. Whether you’re a weekend warrior, competitive athlete, or someone simply wanting to return to an active lifestyle, I will recommend the treatment that’s safest, most effective, and aligned with your goals.
Arthroscopic image of a repaired ACL, with internalbrace augmentation.
ACL Surgery in Oregon
Dr. Daniel Elkin is a leading Orthopedic Surgeon performing ACL Surgery in the Willamette Valley. He specializes in complex knee reconstruction and knee arthroscopy and is conveniently located in Salem, Oregon.