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Why ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) surgery is done

Reasons for having ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) surgery

Not all ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) injuries need ACL surgery.

Sometimes physiotherapy and lifestyle changes can help your symptoms if you've injured your ACL. 

Surgery is usually recommended if:

  • physiotherapy and lifestyle changes have not helped
  • you plan to keep doing lots of sport or intense exercise
  • you have a very physical job
  • your knee gives way a lot
  • other parts of your knee are also damaged

Page last reviewed: 17 July 2025
Next review due: 17 July 2028