What is ACL Surgery?
ACL surgery is a type of knee surgery that is performed to repair the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). The ACL is one of the four major ligaments in the knee, and it helps to stabilize the joint especially with pivoting activities. When the ACL is torn, it can cause instability in the knee joint, which can lead to pain, disability and further knee injury. ACL surgery involves either rarely repairing the existing ligament or more commonly replacing it with a new one. The patient’s own tissue, an autograft, or donor tissue, an allograft, may be used at the preference of the patient or based upon the recommendation of the surgeon considering such factors such as the patient’s age, activity level, pre-existing arthritis and prior surgeries.
The ACL surgery itself is performed using arthroscopic techniques, which involves making small incisions into the joint and using a camera and specialized instruments to repair or replace the damaged ligament. The surgery can be performed as an outpatient procedure or on a 23-hour admission for pain control. The procedure is usually done under a general anesthetic with a nerve block to assist with any post-operative pain. The surgery itself will typically take about one to two hours.
New Patients Welcome
We are accepting new patients. Acute injuries will be scheduled as quickly as possible. Please contact the office to make an appointment.
ACL 4
When I tore my ACL I was devastated, but Dr. Heckman helped to assure me that I would come back better than ever and play again. He always made sure that I knew this was just a little setback and nothing that I couldn’t overcome. Due to this he not only helped me physically but also helped me to overcome the mental obstacle that comes with this injury. Dr. Heckman would check in during PT sessions and make sure that I was doing everything right and on track, which was super reassuring. He also took the time to explain the things he was doing and what he was looking at, which not only helped me learn but it allowed me to understand my recovery and the things I was going through. Dr. Heckman’s aggressive protocol and not having to wear a brace made returning to playing easy and I was confident in my knee. Going to Dr. Heckman was the best decision and I cannot thank him enough for everything he did for me.
ACL 3
Dr. Heckman has been nothing but great to me. When I first found out that I tore my ACL he was very comforting in the way he told me. He made sure to let me know that I would get back on that field better than ever. When a doctor has confidence in you it helps you to have confidence in yourself. I remember one time I was at Physical Therapy at the location right by his office. He comes in very often and checks on his patients and sees how they are doing. This was about six days after my surgery and he noticed that I had some limited range of motion. In a very nice, calm way he explained to me that he had to take me back to his office to drain my knee for the second time. I was extremely scared and nervous, but I had some relief because I knew I was in good hands. And because Dr. Heckman came and checked on me during my physical therapy session, I was able to get the right treatment that I needed at that time and was able to dodge a setback. I would recommend anyone with a shoulder or knee injury to go to Dr. Heckman because I can say from personal experience that you will be in the best hands possible.
ACL 2
My experience with doctor Heckman was incredible. There aren’t enough words that I can use to describe how blessed I am to have had such an amazing Doctor by my side. He has helped me get back to doing what I love with all of his constant support and guidance throughout my recovery. He is definitely a one of a kind Doctor and I wouldn’t be where I am today without him. Due to having two knee injuries, Doctor Heckman not only helped my conquer my injuries physically but mentally. He was always there to reassure me that I will be stronger than ever and with that he was right! I have never felt more confident in myself and I feel better than I ever had even before my knee surgeries. I am forever thankful to have such a phenomenal person to help me achieve my dreams.
ACL 1
My experience with Doctor Heckman is definitely something I will never forget. When I tore my ACL I thought my journey on coming back stronger was done, but when I met Dr. Heckman he really cared about me coming back one hundred percent and you were never treated as a number but as one of his own. He really motivated me to keep pushing no matter how bad the situation was. I wouldn’t be where I am if it wasn’t for him. Him and his team really did everything to help me spiritually, physically, and mentally get back to being me. For that I couldn’t ever thank him enough.
Robert Shores
Dr. Heckman was fantastic! He repaired my shoulder tear and in less than 6 months I am almost back to 100%. He answered all my questions and went above and beyond. Highly recommend Dr. Heckman
Deanna Huerta
Dr. Heckman and his team are absolutely wonderful. He’s repaired both of my ACL’s and recently fixed my meniscus. They are compassionate and detailed with what will happen.
Jane Hausman
Dr. Heckman is fantastic !! I went to him 6 weeks ago and was having really bad anxiety. After he adjusted me the first time I felt like a totally different person. He has also straightened out my digestive system and my hip flexors. I would give him 1,000 stars and highly recommend him.
K A
This Doc is. Pro, been going to him for frozen shoulder , both and he is very knowledgeable, skilled and very professional and polite. As my self in the medical field you only come by few like Dr Hickman. I strongly recommend him.
Tim Moses
Dr. Heckman is awesome. One of the best if not the best. Has taken care of my kids and also my knee. I recommend using him if ever in need of knee surgery, he has been gifted in his work and has a great personality!!! Thank you.
Joyce Wright
Highly recommend Dr. Heckman. Through his superb treatment I have avoided knee replacement surgery for 4 years & no pain in knees during that time. He does an excellent job with shoulder pain too. The best knee & shoulder expert ever.
ACL Revision
Patients who have had their ACL repaired or reconstructed may unfortunately experience problems with their knee after the surgery. The knee may be re-injured and the ACL graft torn or more commonly they may never feel that they can “trust the knee” after their surgery because it feels unstable when they perform twisting or pivoting activities.
An ACL revision surgery can be performed to replace a torn ACL graft or to make the knee feel more stable for sports and activities. The procedure can be done with either an autograft (the patient’s own tissue) or an allograft (donor tissue) depending upon the age of the patient and the condition of the knee. Rehabilitation after the procedure is typically no different than that for any other ACL reconstruction.
ACL Surgery Recovery & Rehabilitation
The recovery process for ACL surgery typically involves physical therapy both before and after the surgical procedure to help restore strength, motion and flexibility to the knee joint. This includes a program of exercises, stretches, modalities and other rehabilitation techniques. It is important to follow your doctor’s and physical therapist’s recommendations closely during this time to promote healing and reduce the risk of complications or setbacks. The goal of rehabilitation is to get the patient up and moving as quickly as possible minimizing any loss of motion or strength. ACL surgery is a very successful procedure, and it is expected that a high percentage of patients who have the surgery will be able to return to their previous level of activity or sports.