ACL Reconstruction in Frisco, TX

The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is one of the main stabilizing ligaments of the knee, and it is commonly torn in sports that involve cutting, pivoting and jumping. ACL reconstruction replaces the torn ligament with a tendon graft to restore stability. Dr. Andrew Dold, a double board-certified, fellowship-trained sports medicine surgeon who has treated professional athletes from the NFL, NBA, NHL and PGA Tour, performs ACL reconstruction for athletes of every level across Dallas–Fort Worth.

Signs of an ACL Tear

• A “pop” at the time of injury
• Rapid swelling within hours
• The knee feeling unstable or giving way, especially with cutting or pivoting
• Difficulty returning to sports

Your evaluation includes a thorough knee exam, X-rays and usually an MRI to confirm the tear and check for related injuries such as meniscus or cartilage damage.

ACL Reconstruction with Dr. Dold

ACL reconstruction is performed arthroscopically as an outpatient procedure. Dr. Dold tailors each surgery to the patient, including:

• Graft choice — patellar tendon, hamstring or quadriceps tendon autograft, or donor (allograft) tissue
• Meniscus repair at the same surgery when the meniscus is torn
• Revision ACL surgery for failed prior reconstructions, including anterolateral ligament (ALL) reconstruction when added stability is needed
• Complex knee reconstruction for multi-ligament injuries

Young athletes whose growth plates are still open may need specialized, growth-plate-sparing techniques, which Dr. Dold will discuss when appropriate.

Recovery and Return to Sport

Rehabilitation starts soon after surgery, focusing first on swelling, motion and quadriceps activation, then strength, balance and running, and finally sport-specific training. Return to sport is based on meeting strength and functional milestones rather than time alone, and typically takes many months.

Why Choose Dr. Dold for ACL Surgery

• Fellowship-trained in sports medicine and arthroscopy at NYU Langone Orthopedic Hospital and the Hospital for Joint Diseases
• Research on ACL graft sizing, knee ligament injuries and meniscal repair, published in journals including Knee Surgery, Sports Traumatology, Arthroscopy and JAAOS
• Has lectured on ACL graft choice at the Andrews Institute Sports Medicine Lecture Series
• Board certified in the U.S. (ABOS, with a Subspecialty Certificate in Orthopaedic Sports Medicine) and Canada (FRCSC)

Frequently Asked Questions

Do all ACL tears need surgery?

No. Some less active patients do well with physical therapy alone. Reconstruction is usually recommended for athletes in cutting and pivoting sports, and for anyone whose knee keeps giving way.

How soon after the injury is surgery done?

Surgery is often scheduled once swelling has settled and knee motion has returned, typically within a few weeks of the injury. Dr. Dold will recommend timing based on your knee and any other injuries.

Which graft is best?

There is no single best graft for everyone. Dr. Dold will discuss patellar tendon, hamstring, quadriceps tendon and donor (allograft) options based on your age, sport and knee.

When can I return to sports?

Return to sport is usually measured in months, not weeks. Athletes are cleared once strength, motion and functional testing show the knee is ready, which helps lower the risk of re-injury.

Is ACL reconstruction an outpatient surgery?

Yes. Most patients go home the same day.

Schedule a Knee Evaluation

Dr. Dold sees patients at Star Orthopedics and Sports Medicine, 6700 Dallas Parkway, Suite 100, Frisco, Texas, from Frisco, Plano, McKinney, Prosper, Allen, Dallas and across DFW. Most major insurance accepted, including Medicare and Tricare. Call 469-850-0680 or request an appointment online.

Request an Appointment with Dr. Dold