Sports Knee Surgery
ACL Surgery & Reconstruction in Glendale, AZ
The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is the main ligament that keeps the knee from sliding forward and twisting out of place. A torn ACL is one of the most common serious knee injuries in cutting and pivoting sports. Dr. James MacKenzie, a fellowship-trained sports medicine surgeon and former assistant team physician for the Miami Dolphins and Miami Heat, performs arthroscopic ACL reconstruction in Glendale, Arizona for athletes and active adults from Peoria, Surprise, Sun City, and across the Phoenix West Valley.
Why patients choose Dr. MacKenzie
- Board-certified orthopedic surgeon
- Fellow, American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (FAAOS)
- Johns Hopkins residency, sports medicine fellowship
- Former assistant team physician, Miami Dolphins & Miami Heat
- Nonsurgical options first, surgery only when needed
- Se habla español
How ACL Tears Happen
Most ACL tears occur without contact: a sudden stop, a quick change of direction, or landing from a jump with the knee turned inward. Soccer, basketball, football, skiing, and pickleball are common sources. Many patients hear or feel a pop, the knee swells within hours, and it feels unstable when they try to pivot. Because the ACL often tears alongside the meniscus or cartilage, Dr. MacKenzie examines the whole knee and uses an MRI to map every injury before recommending a plan.
Does a Torn ACL Need Surgery?
Not every torn ACL needs to be rebuilt. A less active adult who does not plan to return to pivoting sports may do well with bracing and a structured strengthening program. Reconstruction is generally recommended for athletes who want to return to cutting sports, for patients whose knee gives way during daily activities, and when other structures such as the meniscus are torn and need repair. Dr. MacKenzie walks through both paths so the choice fits your goals, not a template.
Choosing the Right Graft
A torn ACL cannot be stitched back together, so it is replaced with a graft. Options include your own patellar tendon, quadriceps tendon, or hamstring tendons, or donor tissue. Each has tradeoffs in strength, recovery, and the risk of re-injury, and the best choice depends on your age, sport, and position. Dr. MacKenzie matches the graft to the athlete and explains why he recommends one over another.
How ACL Reconstruction Works
ACL reconstruction is done arthroscopically through small incisions, usually as an outpatient procedure. Dr. MacKenzie removes the torn ligament, prepares tunnels in the femur and tibia, and secures the new graft in the position of the original ACL. Meniscus tears and cartilage damage found during surgery are treated at the same time. Most patients go home the same day with a brace and crutches.
Recovery and Return to Play
Rehabilitation is as important as the surgery. Physical therapy begins within the first week and progresses from restoring motion and quad strength to running, agility, and sport-specific drills. Dr. MacKenzie uses a criteria-based return-to-play program rather than a fixed date, which means you progress when strength, balance, and hop tests show the knee is ready. Most athletes return to full sport roughly nine to twelve months after surgery.
Preventing a Second Injury
Athletes who have torn one ACL have a higher chance of tearing either ACL again. Dr. MacKenzie builds injury prevention into recovery: landing mechanics, hip and core strength, and neuromuscular training that carries over to the field. For some younger athletes he may recommend an added lateral procedure during reconstruction to reduce rotational stress on the graft.
Risks
Risks of ACL reconstruction include infection, blood clots, stiffness or loss of motion, persistent pain at the graft site, graft failure or re-tear, and the need for additional surgery. Dr. MacKenzie reviews these risks and how they apply to your knee before scheduling surgery.
Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Don’t see your question here? Our team is happy to help.
How long does ACL surgery take?
Most ACL reconstructions take one to two hours and are performed as outpatient surgery, so you go home the same day.
When can I walk after ACL reconstruction?
Most patients put weight on the leg with crutches right away and transition off crutches within a few weeks, depending on whether a meniscus repair was done at the same time.
When can I drive after ACL surgery?
For a right knee, driving typically waits until you are off pain medication and can brake comfortably, often two to four weeks. A left knee with an automatic transmission is usually sooner.
Will I need a brace after ACL reconstruction?
A brace is used early on to protect the graft while the quadriceps wakes up. Whether a functional brace is used for return to sport depends on your sport and position.
Does insurance cover ACL reconstruction?
ACL reconstruction is a covered procedure under most plans when it is medically necessary. Our team verifies benefits and reviews any costs with you before surgery.
Schedule a Consultation with Dr. MacKenzie
Call the office or request an appointment online and our team will help you take the next step.