How to Choose an ACL Surgeon?

Choosing the right surgeon for your ACL reconstruction is crucial for ensuring a successful surgery and recovery. Here are steps and considerations to help you make an informed decision:

1. Research and Referrals

• Primary Care Physician: Start by getting a referral from your primary care physician or sports medicine doctor.
• Friends and Family: Ask for recommendations from friends, family, or colleagues who have had ACL surgery.
• Online Reviews: Look up reviews and ratings of surgeons in your area on healthcare websites and forums.

2. Qualifications and Experience

• Board Certification: Ensure the surgeon is board-certified in orthopedic surgery.
• Specialization: Preferably, the surgeon should specialize in sports medicine and have extensive experience with ACL reconstructions.
• Experience: Ask how many ACL surgeries they perform annually. A higher number often indicates more expertise.

3. Hospital Affiliation

• Reputable Institutions: Check if the surgeon is affiliated with well-regarded hospitals or medical centers, as these often have better resources and support staff.

4. Consultation

• Initial Meeting: Schedule a consultation to meet the surgeon and discuss your case. Pay attention to their communication style and willingness to answer your questions.
• Questions to Ask:
  • How many ACL surgeries have you performed?
  • What is your success rate and complication rate?
  • Which graft options do you recommend and why?
  • What is the expected recovery time and what does the rehab process involve?
  • Do you use minimally invasive techniques?

5. Patient Outcomes and Follow-Up Care

• Outcomes: Inquire about the typical outcomes of their patients, including return to sports and activity levels.
• Follow-Up: Understand the follow-up care process and whether they work closely with physical therapists to ensure comprehensive post-surgery rehabilitation.

6. Surgical Techniques

• Graft Choices: Ask about the different graft options (autografts vs. allografts) and which one they recommend for your specific case.
• Minimally Invasive Techniques: Find out if they use arthroscopic techniques, which often lead to faster recovery and less scarring.

7. Insurance and Costs

• Insurance Coverage: Confirm that the surgeon accepts your insurance and understand what costs will be covered.
• Costs: Discuss the overall cost of the surgery, including surgeon fees, hospital fees, anesthesia, and follow-up care.

8. Trust and Comfort

• Trust Your Instincts: Choose a surgeon you feel comfortable with and trust. The right surgeon should make you feel confident in their abilities and the care they provide.

9. Second Opinion

• Seek Multiple Opinions: Don’t hesitate to get a second or third opinion if you have any doubts. Different surgeons may offer different perspectives on your treatment options.

Checklist for Choosing an ACL Surgeon

1. Referrals and Recommendations: Gather names from trusted sources.
2. Qualifications: Verify board certification and specialization in sports medicine.
3. Experience: Consider the number of ACL surgeries performed.
4. Consultation: Schedule meetings and ask key questions.
5. Patient Outcomes: Inquire about success rates and recovery processes.
6. Surgical Techniques: Discuss graft options and minimally invasive methods.
7. Insurance and Costs: Confirm insurance acceptance and understand costs.
8. Comfort Level: Trust your instincts and ensure you feel comfortable with the surgeon.
9. Second Opinion: Seek additional opinions if necessary.

By following these steps, you can find a skilled and trustworthy surgeon who can provide the best possible care for your ACL reconstruction.

Author

Dr. Catherine Logan, MD, MBA Catherine Logan, MD, MBA, MSPT, is a sports medicine orthopaedic surgeon specializing in complex knee and shoulder surgery at Colorado Sports Medicine and Orthopaedics (COSMO) in Denver, Colorado. As a former physical therapist & trainer, Dr. Logan provides a distinct expertise in sports injury, prevention, and surgical management.