Anterior Cruciate Ligament
ACL Reconstruction
Dr. Ratner is an expert for Minimally Invasive ACL Reconstruction in Greenville, SC using Advanced Surgical Techniques.
About ACL REconstruction
with Dr. Drew Ratner
ACL reconstruction is a surgical procedure that rebuilds a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL)—one of the key ligaments that stabilizes the knee. ACL injuries are common among athletes and active individuals and can result from sudden stops, pivots, or traumatic knee movements.
When the ACL is torn, the knee may feel unstable and limit your ability to participate in sports or even daily activities. At American Orthopedics, Dr. Drew Ratner uses advanced arthroscopic techniques to reconstruct the ACL and help patients regain knee stability and return to their active lifestyle.
"ACL injuries don’t have to be career-ending. With modern reconstruction techniques and a smart recovery plan, we can help athletes and active individuals return to the game stronger than before."
- Dr. Drew Ratner, MD, Board-Certified Orthopedic Surgeon
ACL Reconstruction
Read her story
“As someone who trains horses for a living, being physically strong and mobile is everything. I was honestly nervous going into surgery, knowing how much was riding on a smooth recovery. Dr. Ratner was very understanding of how important this was for me and my work. Thanks to him and his team, I’m back doing what I love, and I couldn’t be more grateful.”
Proudly serving professional, collegiate, and high school athletes since 2018
We welcome weekend warriors and patients of all ages.
Why Patients Choose Dr. Ratner
The region’s most preferred orthopedic surgeon
Dr. Ratner is a fellowship-trained sports medicine specialist with deep experience in ACL reconstruction and the unique needs of athletes and active patients. His approach combines modern surgical technique, personalized care, and ongoing support from diagnosis through return to play.
If you’ve suffered an ACL injury and want to return to your sport—or simply move without fear—schedule a consultation with Dr. Drew Ratner to discuss your personalized treatment plan.
1. Fellowship-Trained Sports Medicine Surgeon
Dr. Ratner trained at the prestigious Steadman Hawkins Clinic, where he developed specialized skills in treating ACL injuries in elite athletes.
2. Comprehensive, Athlete-Centered Care
From the first consult to your final return-to-sport clearance, you’ll be treated by Dr. Ratner—not passed between providers.
3. Proven Outcomes & Supportive Recovery
With high patient satisfaction and a structured, guided rehab protocol, Dr. Ratner ensures you achieve your goals and recover safely, step by step.
How the procedure works.
ACL reconstruction is performed arthroscopically using minimally invasive tools and techniques. This means smaller incisions, reduced pain, and faster recovery. During the procedure, Dr. Ratner removes the damaged ligament and replaces it with a graft—tissue that acts as a new ligament to restore stability.
Graft Options:
- Autograft: Tissue taken from the patient’s own body, often from the patellar tendon, hamstring tendon, or quadriceps tendon.
- Allograft: Tissue donated from a deceased donor, typically used in revision cases or older patients.
Dr. Ratner carefully positions the new graft in the knee and secures it using advanced fixation methods such as screws or suspensory buttons. The new graft then gradually incorporates into the body as a functional ligament over time.
Who Is a Candidate?
You may be a candidate for ACL reconstruction if you:
- Have a complete or functionally significant ACL tear
- Experience knee instability during daily or athletic activities
- Are active and wish to return to pivoting sports like soccer, basketball, or skiing
- Have failed to improve with physical therapy and conservative treatment
Dr. Ratner will assess your condition, activity level, and goals to determine if surgery is the best option for your recovery.
Benefits of ACL Reconstruction
ACL reconstruction is a highly successful procedure with many benefits for active individuals looking to restore knee stability and prevent further injury:
- Stabilized Knee Joint: Reduces the risk of giving way or buckling during movement.
- Return to Sport: Helps athletes safely return to high-level physical activity.
- Prevents Further Damage: Stabilization helps protect other knee structures like cartilage and menisci from future injury.
- Minimally Invasive Approach: Arthroscopic surgery means smaller incisions, less post-op pain, and quicker return to mobility.
- High Satisfaction Rates: The majority of patients regain near-normal knee function and return to the activities they enjoy.
What to Expect
Experience advance care at American Orthopedics.
1. Your consultation
At your consultation, Dr. Ratner will evaluate your injury through physical examination and imaging (typically MRI). He’ll explain the nature of your ACL tear, the role of graft selection, and what to expect during surgery and recovery. If ACL reconstruction is recommended, you’ll receive a personalized plan that accounts for your sport, lifestyle, and long-term goals.
2. The Procedure
ACL reconstruction is performed as an outpatient procedure and typically lasts 45–90 minutes, depending on whether there are other issues in the knee (like a meniscus tear). You will be placed under anesthesia, and Dr. Ratner will use a small camera (arthroscope) and precision instruments inserted through tiny incisions to perform the surgery.
After removing the torn ligament, the selected graft is placed in the proper position and fixed securely using medical-grade implants. You’ll return home the same day with detailed post-operative instructions and a plan for starting therapy the following day.
3. After Surgery
Day 1: Begin gentle physical therapy to regain motion and reduce swelling.
Weeks 1–6: Focus on restoring range of motion, reducing inflammation, and beginning light strength exercises.
Months 2–5: Progress into more active strengthening, balance work, and functional movement.
Month 5: Most patients return to everyday activities and light sports drills.
Month 9: Cleared for full return to sport after passing functional tests and demonstrating adequate strength and control.
Rehabilitation is critical to success, and Dr. Ratner works closely with your therapy team to track milestones and ensure a safe progression.
Advanced care for maxium results & comfort
ACL Reconstruction Recovery Tips
Start physical therapy
Start physical therapy early and stay consistent throughout the 9-month recovery process.
Use crutches
Use crutches and a brace as instructed to protect the knee in the early weeks.
Manage Pain & Swelling
Manage pain and swelling with ice, elevation, and prescribed medication.
Follow all guidelines
Follow all guidelines for activity restrictions and avoid premature return to sport.
Be patient
Be patient—ACL healing is gradual, and full success comes from disciplined rehab and follow-up.
FAQ
