ACL Reconstruction Surgery
When the anterior cruciate ligament tears, the two ends of the ligament separate completely — unlike a sprain that stretches but maintains continuity. Because the ACL cannot be simply stitched back together, restoring knee stability requires reconstruction: replacing the torn ligament with a graft that serves as a scaffold for new tissue to grow. ACL reconstruction is one of the most commonly performed and extensively studied procedures in sports medicine, and when performed by an experienced surgeon using advanced arthroscopic techniques, it offers patients a reliable path back to full activity — including competitive sport at the highest level.
Dr. Jonathan Glashow is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon, Clinical Associate Professor of Orthopedic Surgery at NYU Grossman School of Medicine, and one of the most experienced ACL surgeons in the country. With published research in the Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery on ACL and meniscal diagnosis — including what remains one of the earliest double-blind studies on MRI accuracy for cruciate ligament injuries — he has helped shape the evidence base that guides modern ACL treatment. Dr. Glashow pioneered the all-inside ACL reconstruction technique, was among the first surgeons to perform a commercial ACL repair using BEAR implant technology, and has been presented at AAOS debating advanced ACL techniques. As Chief Medical Officer for the New Jersey Devils and Philadelphia 76ers, he has reconstructed torn ACLs in professional athletes who depend on absolute knee stability to return to competition. Named a Castle Connolly Top Doctor every year since 2000 and recognized as a New York Magazine “Best Doctor” multiple times over, he has performed more than 15,000 orthopedic procedures over a career spanning three decades at his Upper East Side practice in New York City.How ACL
How Reconstruction Surgery Is Performed
ACL reconstruction involves replacing the torn ligament with a tendon graft — either tissue harvested from the hamstring muscles (semitendinosus-gracilis autograft) or in some cases the middle third of the patella tendon (bone-patella tendon-bone autograft). The choice of graft varies from case to case and is determined based on the patient’s anatomy, activity level, and the specific demands of their sport or lifestyle.
Dr. Glashow performs ACL reconstruction using the all-inside arthroscopic technique — a less invasive, more precise approach that results in smaller incisions, less bone removal, and a more anatomic graft placement compared to traditional methods. The procedure typically takes approximately one hour and leaves only three small scars over the knee.
In the majority of cases, all-inside ACL reconstruction involves:
- The procedure is performed under a local and light general anesthesia
- The knee is examined arthroscopically to assess concomitant injuries
- A ligament graft is obtained by harvesting a section of either the hamstring tendons or a portion of the patellar tendon from the same knee
- Tunnels are drilled through the tibia and femur into the knee joint
- The tendon graft is threaded through and fixed under tension using specialized fixation devices
- Patients go home the same day as their surgery
Recovery After ACL Reconstruction
After ACL reconstruction, patients are provided with pain management protocols, ice packs, and elevation guidance for the first several days. Physical therapy begins shortly after surgery, with a progressive rehabilitation program that advances through range-of-motion recovery, quadriceps activation, strengthening, and sport-specific training over the following months. While full recovery from ACL reconstruction typically takes nine to twelve months, the timeline varies between individuals — and Dr. Glashow coordinates post-operative care closely with physical therapists, coaches, and athletic trainers to optimize each patient’s return to activity. If surgery is necessary, ACL reconstruction can be arranged with minimal delay — in many cases, diagnosis, imaging, and surgical treatment can be completed on the same day.
Schedule an ACL Reconstruction Consultation in New York City
Whether you have just sustained an ACL tear on the field, received a diagnosis from another provider and want a second opinion, or are exploring your surgical options before committing to a treatment plan, Dr. Glashow and his orthopedic team provide the expertise, technology, and personalized attention that elite athletes and active patients rely on. With same-day MRI and X-ray, same-day and next-day appointments, and the ability to proceed to surgery with minimal delay, his Upper East Side practice is built to move at the pace your recovery demands. Contact our office to schedule your consultation — we accept out-of-network insurance benefits and offer after-hours, weekend, and emergency appointments.
Lamarr Houston 4 months post ACL surgery:
