ACL Reconstruction in Long Island

At Core Alliance, we perform advanced ACL reconstruction in Long Island to restore knee stability, relieve pain, and help you confidently return to an active lifestyle.

Regain Knee Stability and Confidence With Expert ACL Reconstruction

ACL reconstruction is a key orthopedic procedure for individuals with ligament injuries that compromise the knee's structure and function. At Core Alliance, we focus on restoring your mobility through surgical excellence and compassionate care. Our minimally invasive approach promotes quicker healing and lasting results.

Schedule your consultation today to learn whether ACL reconstruction is the right solution for your knee injury.

What Is ACL Reconstruction?

ACL reconstruction is a surgical procedure that repairs a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL)—a key ligament that connects the thighbone to the shinbone. When the ACL is damaged, it can lead to knee instability, discomfort, and risk of further injury. Rather than stitching the torn ligament, our orthopedic surgeons reconstruct it using a graft.

This graft may come from the patient’s hamstring or patellar tendon, or from a donor. The procedure is usually performed arthroscopically using a camera and small tools for greater precision and less disruption to surrounding tissue. ACL reconstruction in Long Island is especially common among athletes and active individuals—but it's beneficial for anyone with ongoing knee instability or pain.

Benefits of ACL Reconstruction

Undergoing ACL reconstruction at Core Alliance can offer a wide range of physical and lifestyle benefits:

Improved Knee Stability: Rebuilds structural support and reduces instability.
Enhanced Athletic Performance: Enables safe return to sports or physical activity.
Reduced Risk of Future Injury: Protects the meniscus and cartilage from additional damage.
Minimally Invasive Technique: Smaller incisions, less trauma, and quicker recovery.
Long-Term Joint Health: Prevents early arthritis and supports joint longevity.
Customized Graft Selection: Tailored to your body, needs, and activity level.

Who Is a Good Candidate for ACL Reconstruction?

You may be a strong candidate for ACL reconstruction if you’ve experienced a complete or partial tear of the anterior cruciate ligament that results in knee instability. Common symptoms include the knee buckling during activity, persistent swelling, difficulty regaining full motion, or a feeling of looseness in the joint. While many candidates are athletes or physically active individuals aiming to return to sports, the procedure is also beneficial for anyone whose quality of life is affected by instability or recurring knee issues.

Surgery is often recommended if the ACL injury is accompanied by other damage to structures within the knee—such as the meniscus—or if non-surgical treatments like physical therapy and bracing have not provided lasting relief. After reviewing your imaging, symptoms, activity level, and long-term goals, Dr. Rovner will determine whether ACL reconstruction is the most appropriate treatment option for your needs.

Your Consultation

During your visit, Dr. Rovner will perform a thorough physical exam and review imaging, such as an MRI. We’ll walk you through your diagnosis, discuss surgical and non-surgical options, and help you choose the graft and recovery plan that best supports your outcome.

“Dr. Rovner is the best. He is quick and efficient at getting to the root of the issue and, more importantly, getting you whatever help you need. Definitely recommend.”

– Orlando Perez

Types of ACL Grafts We Use

Graft selection is tailored to your age, anatomy, activity level, and personal goals. Dr. Rovner will help you choose the best option during your consultation:

Patellar Tendon Autograft: Uses a section of your own patellar tendon with bone plugs. Ideal for high-demand competitive athletes due to strong bone-to-bone healing.
Hamstring Tendon Autograft: Uses your own hamstring tissue. Offers a flexible, strong repair with smaller incisions and less front-of-knee pain during early recovery.
Quadriceps Tendon Autograft: Uses tissue from above the kneecap, providing a thick, durable option with minimal donor site discomfort.
Donor Allograft: Uses sterile donor tissue, eliminating donor-site pain and shortening surgery and immediate recovery time. Great for older or less active individuals, or revision surgeries.

Schedule A Consultation Tailored Solutions for Every Spine

What to Expect During ACL Reconstruction

ACL reconstruction is typically performed as an outpatient procedure under general anesthesia, with most surgeries lasting between one and two hours. Once the anesthesia takes effect, Dr. Rovner begins by creating a few small incisions around the knee to insert an arthroscope and specialized surgical instruments. The torn ACL is carefully removed, and a graft—either from the patient’s own tissue (autograft) or from a donor (allograft)—is prepared to replace the damaged ligament.

Dr. Rovner drills small tunnels into the femur and tibia to secure the graft in the proper anatomical position. The graft is then anchored using screws or other fixation devices, allowing it to function like a natural ligament. After the graft is in place, the incisions are closed with sutures or surgical tape, and a sterile dressing is applied. The knee is typically braced to provide support, and patients are monitored briefly before returning home the same day with personalized recovery instructions and a rehabilitation plan.

Post-Operative ACL Rehabilitation & Recovery Timeline

Recovery varies, but typical milestones include:

Timeframe	Key Focus & Milestones	Primary Goals
0–2 Weeks	Early Healing & Mobility	Manage pain and swelling, restore full leg extension, and begin gentle quad activation.
2–12 Weeks	Strength & Range of Motion	Progress strength training, achieve full knee flexion, and normalize walking gait without crutches.
3–6 Months	Advanced Rehab & Power	Build muscular endurance, initiate agility drills, begin straight-line running, and dynamic movements.
6–9+ Months	Return to Sport & Activity	Sport-specific functional training, full strength testing, and return to competitive or high-impact activities.

Compliance with rehab and follow-up care is essential for long-term knee health.

How Much Does ACL Reconstruction Cost?

The cost of ACL reconstruction in Long Island depends on the surgical setting, insurance coverage, and graft type. Core Alliance accepts most PPO insurance plans and provides transparent estimates and financial guidance during your consultation.

Alternatives to ACL Reconstruction

While ACL surgery is often the best long-term solution, some patients benefit from non-surgical approaches like:

Physical Therapy: Strengthens supporting muscles.
Bracing: Offers added knee support.
Activity Modification: Avoiding high-risk movements.

If these options don’t provide sufficient relief, surgery may be the best path forward.

Why Choose Core Alliance for ACL Reconstruction?

At Core Alliance, your care is led by Dr. Aron Rovner, a fellowship-trained, board-certified orthopedic surgeon specializing in sports medicine and minimally invasive arthroscopic knee surgery. With over two decades of surgical experience, Dr. Rovner delivers precise, patient-centered care designed to restore total knee stability and long-term performance.

Specialized Sports Medicine Expertise: Fellowship-trained in advanced arthroscopic knee surgery, ensuring optimal graft placement and minimal tissue disruption.
Customized Graft Selection: Tailored choices—including patellar tendon, hamstring, quad autografts, or donor allografts—matched precisely to your age, anatomy, and athletic goals.
Minimally Invasive Arthroscopic Technique: Smaller incisions result in reduced post-operative pain, less scarring, and a faster initial recovery.
Conservative-First Philosophy: Surgical intervention is only recommended when necessary, backed by personalized non-surgical options when appropriate.
Comprehensive Rehab Support: Guided, phased recovery protocols designed to safely rebuild joint confidence and return you to high-impact activities.

Frequently Asked Questions ACL Reconstruction

How long does the ACL graft take to heal?

It typically takes 4 to 6 months for the graft to fully integrate and function like a normal ligament.

Will I need physical therapy?

Yes. A structured rehab program is essential to restore full knee function.

Can a torn ACL heal without surgery?

Complete tears don’t usually heal on their own. Partial tears may be treated conservatively in some cases.

When can I drive again after surgery?

Most patients can drive within 2–4 weeks, depending on which leg was operated on and pain management needs.

Non-Surgical Treatment vs. Surgery: When is Reconstruction Necessary?

Not every ACL injury requires surgery. Conservative treatment, focused on physical therapy, custom bracing, and targeted muscle strengthening, is often ideal for partial tears, lower-demand individuals, or those with stable knees who avoid pivoting sports. However, ACL reconstruction becomes necessary if you experience persistent knee instability ("giving way"), have a complete tear, or suffer secondary damage like a meniscus tear. If you are an athlete, work a physically demanding job, or want to safely return to high-impact, multidirectional movements, Dr. Rovner typically recommends surgical reconstruction to restore mechanical stability and protect long-term joint health.