Expert ACL Reconstruction in Glendale, Glendale, Cedarburg, Wauwatosa, WI
An anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear can cause knee instability, pain, and difficulty participating in sports or everyday activities. Whether your injury occurred on the field, on the slopes, or during routine movement, timely evaluation and appropriate treatment are essential for restoring knee function. Dr. Jake Bauwens is a fellowship-trained orthopaedic sports medicine surgeon specializing in advanced ACL reconstruction for patients throughout Glendale, Cedarburg, Wauwatosa, WI.
Using minimally invasive arthroscopic techniques and personalized treatment plans, Dr. Bauwens treats ACL injuries in athletes and active individuals of all ages. His goal is to restore knee stability, reduce pain, protect long-term joint health, and help patients safely return to work, recreation, and sports. From your initial consultation through rehabilitation, you can expect comprehensive, patient-centered orthopaedic care tailored to your individual goals.
- Wauwatosa
- Glendale
- Cedarburg
- Request an Appointment
What is ACL Reconstruction?
Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction is a surgical procedure to replace a torn or damaged ACL ligament in your knee with a new ACL tissue graft obtained most commonly from your own body (autograft) or in rare cases from a deceased donor (allograft).
The most common autografts are the patellar tendon (tendon of the kneecap) or one of the hamstring tendons (tendons located at the back of the thigh). In some instances, the quadriceps tendon located above the kneecap is utilized. Tendons are cords of strong fibrous tissue that connect muscles to bones. Ligaments are tough bands of tissue that connect one bone to another bone.
ACL tears or injuries most often occur during sports activities that involve pivoting, cutting, and turning movements as in football, soccer, skiing, tennis, and basketball.
What is ACL?
The anterior cruciate ligament is one of the major stabilizing ligaments in the knee. It is a strong rope-like structure located in the center of the knee, running from the femur (thighbone) to the tibia (shinbone). The ACL is one of the four major ligaments of the knee that connects the femur to the tibia and helps stabilize your knee joint. It prevents excessive forward movement of the tibia in relation to the femur as well as limits rotational movements of the knee. When this ligament tears, unfortunately, it does not heal on its own and often leads to the feeling of instability in the knee, requiring reconstruction to correct the abnormality.
What are the Indications for ACL Reconstruction?
An ACL tear or injury is the main indication for ACL reconstruction surgery. An ACL injury is a sports-related injury that occurs when the knee is forcefully twisted or hyper-extended. An ACL tear usually occurs with an abrupt directional change with the foot fixed on the ground or when the deceleration force crosses the knee. Changing direction rapidly, stopping suddenly, slowing down suddenly while running, landing from a jump incorrectly, and direct contact or collision, such as a football tackle can also result in injury to the ACL.
What Does Procedure for ACL Reconstruction Involve?
ACL reconstruction surgery is usually performed under general anesthesia using a minimally invasive arthroscopic technique. In general, the procedure involves the following steps:
- Your surgeon will make two to three small cuts, about 1/4-inch-long, around your knee.
- An arthroscope is inserted into the knee joint through one of the incisions.
- An arthroscope is a thin tubular instrument with a camera, light, and a magnifying lens attached at the end that is connected to an external monitor and enables your surgeon to view the inside of the knee joint.
- Along with the arthroscope, a sterile solution is pumped into the joint to expand it, enabling your surgeon to have a clear view and space to work inside the joint.
- Miniature surgical instruments are passed through the other incisions and the torn ACL is removed and the pathway for the new ACL tendon graft is prepared.
- Your surgeon makes an incision over the knee or hamstring area and takes out a part of the patellar, hamstring, or quadriceps tendon to prepare the new ACL graft.
- Small holes are drilled into the upper and lower leg bones (femur and tibia) where these bones come together at the knee joint. The holes form tunnels in your bone to accept the new graft.
- The graft is pulled through the predrilled holes in the femur and tibia and fixed into the bones with screws or suture anchors.
- After confirming satisfactory reconstruction, the scope and the instruments are withdrawn, and the incisions are sutured and bandaged.
What Does Postoperative Care for ACL Reconsturction Involve?
In general, postoperative care instructions and recovery after ACL reconstruction surgery will involve the following:
- You will be transferred to the recovery area where your nurse will closely observe you for any allergic or anesthetic reactions and monitor your vital signs as you recover.
- You may notice pain, swelling, and discomfort in the knee area. Pain and anti-inflammatory medications are provided as needed to keep you comfortable.
- You are advised to keep your leg elevated while resting to prevent swelling and pain.
- You will be given assistive devices such as crutches with instructions on restricted weight-bearing for a specified period of time. You are encouraged to walk with assistance as frequently as possible to prevent blood clots.
- Instructions on surgical site care and bathing will be provided to keep the wound clean and dry.
- Refrain from strenuous activities for the first few months and lifting heavy weights for at least 6 months. A gradual increase in activities is recommended.
- An individualized physical therapy protocol will be designed to help strengthen the knee muscles and optimize knee function.
- You will be able to resume your normal daily activities in a couple of months, but with certain activity restrictions. Full recovery and return to sports usually take about 9 to 12 months.
- You may return to your work in about 6 weeks if your job is not too physically demanding. Those with physically demanding jobs will require a longer recovery period.
- A periodic follow-up appointment will be scheduled to monitor your progress.
What are the Risks and Complications of ACL Reconstruction?
ACL reconstruction surgery is a relatively safe procedure; however, as with any surgery, some risks and complications may occur, such as the following:
- Infection
- Bleeding
- Pain and weakness in the knee
- Adverse reactions to anesthesia
- Blood clot or deep vein thrombosis
- Damage to adjacent soft tissue structures
- Stiffness or decreased range of motion
- Re-rupture of the graft
- Non-healing of the ligament
Jake D. Bauwens, M.D.
Orthopaedic Sports Medicine Surgeon
Dr. Jake Bauwens is an orthopaedic physician, specializing in sports medicine and sports-related injuries. Dr. Bauwens attended the University of Wisconsin-Madison to complete his Bachelors of Sciences in Biochemistry degree, and Rush University Medical College to complete his medical degree.
Why Choose Dr. Jake Bauwens for ACL Reconstruction in Glendale, Cedarburg, and Wauwatosa, WI?
Dr. Jake Bauwens is a fellowship-trained orthopaedic sports medicine specialist with advanced expertise in arthroscopic ACL reconstruction and complex knee ligament injuries. He provides individualized treatment plans designed to restore knee stability, improve function, and help patients confidently return to active lifestyles.
Patients throughout Glendale, Cedarburg, and Wauwatosa, WI choose Dr. Bauwens because of his:
- Fellowship training in sports medicine
- Expertise in arthroscopic ACL reconstruction
- Advanced minimally invasive surgical techniques
- Comprehensive evaluation and treatment of knee ligament injuries
- Experience treating athletes and active individuals
- Personalized treatment and rehabilitation plans
- Commitment to patient education and shared decision-making
- Evidence-based approach focused on restoring long-term knee function
Whether your goal is returning to competitive sports, recreational activities, or everyday life without knee instability, Dr. Bauwens is committed to helping you achieve the best possible outcome.
ACL Reconstruction FAQs
Who is a candidate for ACL reconstruction?
ACL reconstruction is commonly recommended for patients with a complete ACL tear who experience knee instability, wish to return to sports or physically demanding activities, or have associated injuries such as meniscus tears. Dr. Bauwens will determine the most appropriate treatment based on your injury, activity level, and personal goals.
Is ACL reconstruction performed arthroscopically?
Yes. ACL reconstruction is typically performed using minimally invasive arthroscopic techniques through small incisions. This approach allows excellent visualization of the knee joint while minimizing tissue disruption and promoting recovery.
What type of graft is used during ACL reconstruction?
Several graft options are available, including patellar tendon, hamstring tendon, quadriceps tendon autografts, and, in select cases, donor tissue (allograft). Dr. Bauwens will recommend the graft that best suits your age, activity level, and lifestyle.
How long does ACL reconstruction surgery take?
Most ACL reconstruction procedures are completed in approximately one to two hours, although surgical time may vary depending on whether additional procedures are performed.
Will I need physical therapy after surgery?
Yes. Physical therapy is an essential component of recovery. A structured rehabilitation program helps restore knee strength, flexibility, stability, and range of motion while preparing you for a safe return to activity.
When can I return to work?
Many patients with sedentary jobs can return to work within several weeks. Patients with physically demanding occupations may require additional recovery time based on their job requirements and healing progress.
What are the benefits of ACL reconstruction?
ACL reconstruction helps restore knee stability, reduce episodes of the knee giving way, improve function, protect other structures within the knee, and support a return to an active lifestyle.
Schedule an ACL Reconstruction Consultation in Glendale, Cedarburg, Wauwatosa, WI
If an ACL injury is limiting your ability to stay active, Dr. Jake Bauwens offers advanced arthroscopic ACL reconstruction for patients throughout Glendale, Cedarburg, Wauwatosa, WI. From comprehensive evaluation and diagnosis to personalized surgical care and rehabilitation, he is committed to helping you recover with confidence and return to the activities you enjoy.
Contact our office today to schedule your ACL reconstruction consultation and learn whether this advanced minimally invasive procedure is the right treatment option for your knee injury.
