Knee Procedure

ACL Reconstruction Surgery in New Jersey

Expert ACL reconstruction surgery to restore knee stability and get you back to an active lifestyle. Dr. Daniel Feghhi is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon specializing in minimally invasive ACL reconstruction procedures.

Knee Stability Minimally Invasive Return to Sports
Schedule Consultation (973) 988-2200
Torn Anterior Cruciate Ligament in x-ray view

What Is ACL Reconstruction Surgery?

Understanding the Procedure

ACL reconstruction surgery is a minimally invasive arthroscopic procedure designed to restore stability to a torn Anterior Cruciate Ligament. The ACL is one of the key ligaments that stabilize the knee joint, and when it's torn, it can cause significant instability during athletic activities and even everyday movements.

Dr. Daniel Feghhi, a board-certified orthopedic surgeon specializing in knee injuries, performs this procedure using advanced arthroscopic techniques. The surgery involves replacing the torn ligament with a graft, which serves as a scaffold for new ligament tissue to grow onto.

60-90
Minutes Surgery Time
2-3
Small Incisions

Why Choose ACL Reconstruction?

  • Restores Knee Stability

    Returns the knee to full functional capacity

  • Prevents Further Damage

    Reduces risk of meniscus and cartilage injuries

  • Returns to Sports

    Enables full athletic activity recovery

  • Long-Lasting Results

    Proper healing provides permanent solution

Are You a Candidate?

Am I a Candidate for ACL Reconstruction Surgery?

Not all ACL injuries require surgery. Learn what factors determine if ACL reconstruction is right for you.

Activity Level

Active individuals and athletes who want to return to sports involving pivoting, cutting, and jumping are ideal candidates. ACL reconstruction is especially recommended for those who participate in soccer, basketball, football, and skiing.

Knee Instability

If your knee frequently gives way or feels unstable during daily activities or sports, reconstruction can provide the stability needed. This includes episodes of "giving out" or buckling.

Age & Health

Age alone is not a limiting factor. Patients of various ages benefit from ACL reconstruction if they desire to return to an active lifestyle. Overall knee health and commitment to rehabilitation are more important considerations.

Associated Injuries

ACL reconstruction is often recommended when there are combined injuries such as meniscus tears, MCL injuries, or cartilage damage. Addressing the ACL instability can help protect other repairs.

Commitment to Recovery

Successful ACL reconstruction requires a significant rehabilitation commitment of 6-9 months. Patients must be willing to complete physical therapy and follow activity restrictions for optimal healing.

Failed Conservative Treatment

If you've tried physical therapy and bracing but still experience instability, surgical reconstruction may be the best option to restore knee function and prevent further damage.

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Step by Step

What Happens During ACL Reconstruction Surgery?

Understanding the surgical procedure helps you feel confident and prepared for your treatment.

1

Preparation & Anesthesia

You will receive general anesthesia to ensure comfort during the procedure. The surgical team prepares the knee with antiseptic solution and positions the leg for optimal access. A tourniquet may be used to minimize bleeding.

2

Graft Preparation

Dr. Feghhi prepares the graft, which may be from your own patellar tendon, hamstring tendons, or quadriceps tendon (autograft). Allograft (donor tissue) is another option. The graft is sized and prepared for implantation.

3

Arthroscopic Portals & Tunnel Creation

Two or three small (5mm) incisions are made around the knee. The arthroscope provides magnified images. Dr. Feghhi creates bone tunnels in the femur and tibia at the exact attachment sites of the original ACL.

4

Graft Placement & Fixation

The graft is passed through the bone tunnels and secured with screws, buttons, or other fixation devices. Proper tension and placement are critical for optimal knee kinematics.

5

Closure & Dressing

The portals are closed with sterile strips and adhesive. A soft dressing and knee brace are applied. The entire procedure typically takes 60-90 minutes depending on complexity.

Procedure Quick Facts

Duration 60-90 minutes
Incisions 2-3 small (5mm)
Anesthesia General
Hospital Stay Same-day (outpatient)
Weight Bearing As tolerated (with crutches)
Recovery to Sports 6-9 months
Dr. Feghhi will discuss specific details during your consultation

Recovery Timeline

What Is the Recovery Timeline After ACL Reconstruction?

ACL reconstruction requires a dedicated rehabilitation program of 6-9 months to safely return to sports. This timeline ensures the graft integrates properly and strengthens.

Weeks 1-2

Initial Healing Phase

  • • Pain management
  • • Rest, ice, compression
  • • Full weight bearing
  • • ROM: 0-90 degrees
  • • Brace for 3 weeks

Weeks 3-8

Early Rehabilitation

  • • Physical therapy intensifies
  • • ROM progresses to full
  • • Strengthening begins
  • • May return to work
  • • Stationary biking

Months 2-6

Building Strength

  • • Progressive strengthening
  • • Balance training
  • • Low-impact cardio
  • • Running progression
  • • Sport-specific prep

Months 6-9

Return to Activity

  • • Full strength returns
  • • Sport-specific training
  • • Gradual return to play
  • • Clearance for sports
  • • Full recovery

Important Recovery Notes

The ACL graft goes through a process called "ligamentization" where it transforms into living ligament tissue. This takes 6-9 months, and returning to sports too early risks graft failure. Dr. Feghhi and our physical therapy team will guide you through each phase and clear you for sports only when you're ready.

Benefits & Risks

Is ACL Reconstruction Right for You?

Benefits of ACL Reconstruction

  • Restores Knee Stability

    Returns the knee to full functional stability for daily activities and sports

  • Prevents Further Damage

    Reduces risk of meniscus tears and cartilage damage that can occur with an unstable knee

  • Enables Return to Sports

    Successful reconstruction allows full return to athletic activities at previous levels

  • Minimally Invasive Approach

    Arthroscopic surgery means smaller incisions, less pain, and faster recovery

  • Outpatient Procedure

    Go home the same day – no overnight hospital stay required

Risks & Complications

  • Graft Failure (5-10%)

    The graft may fail due to trauma or incomplete healing, potentially requiring revision surgery

  • Stiffness

    Post-operative stiffness and loss of motion are common but usually resolve with aggressive therapy

  • Infection

    Rare (<1%) but serious. Prevented with sterile technique and antibiotics

  • Blood Clots (DVT)

    Very rare. Early mobilization and compression devices help prevent

  • Nerve/Vessel Injury

    Extremely rare with arthroscopic technique

Important: Dr. Feghhi will discuss all risks during your consultation. The overall success rate for ACL reconstruction is high (85-90%), and the benefits typically outweigh the risks for appropriate candidates who commit to rehabilitation.

Why Choose Dr. Feghhi

Expert ACL Reconstruction in New Jersey

Dr. Daniel Feghhi combines advanced training with a patient-centered approach to deliver exceptional orthopedic care.

Dr. Daniel Feghhi - Board Certified Orthopedic Surgeon

Dr. Daniel Feghhi, MD, FAAOS

Board Certified

Dr. Feghhi is board-certified in orthopedic surgery, ensuring the highest standards of training and expertise in knee procedures.

Fellowship Trained

Completed advanced fellowship training at the Florida Orthopedic Institute, specializing in minimally invasive knee surgery.

Personal Experience

As a former patient himself, Dr. Feghhi understands the recovery process from a personal perspective, providing empathy and support.

Advanced Techniques

Uses the latest arthroscopic technology and surgical techniques for optimal outcomes and faster recovery.

Ready to Restore Your Knee Stability?

Schedule a consultation with Dr. Daniel Feghhi to discuss your ACL reconstruction options. We'll create a personalized treatment plan to get you back to the activities you love.

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FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions About ACL Reconstruction

Our Locations

Schedule Your ACL Reconstruction Consultation

Dr. Feghhi sees patients at multiple convenient locations throughout New Jersey.

Wayne

401 Hamburg Turnpike, Suite 308
Wayne, NJ 07470

(973) 988-2200

East Brunswick

180 Tices Lane, Suite 107
East Brunswick, NJ 08816

(732) 555-0123

Dover

50 Nelson Street, Suite 1
Dover, NJ 07801

(973) 555-0456

Hackensack

126 State Street, Suite 1
Hackensack, NJ 07601

(201) 555-0789

Elizabeth

288 North Broad St, Suite 3
Elizabeth, NJ 07208

(908) 555-0321

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