ACL reconstruction is an operation to restore stability to a knee after a significant injury to the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). Not everyone who tears their ACL needs surgery. The important question is how the injury affects your knee, your sport and what you want to get back to doing.
I offer specialist ACL assessment and reconstruction for adults, teenagers and young athletes in Reading, Berkshire and London, including private, insured and self-funding patients.
The ACL is one of the main stabilising ligaments inside the knee and is particularly important during twisting, turning, landing and changes of direction.
ACL reconstruction creates a new ligament using a tendon graft, with the aim of restoring stability and allowing you to return confidently to an active lifestyle or sport.
The operation includes an arthroscopic (keyhole) assessment of the whole knee, allowing me to carefully inspect the joint and deal with other injuries, such as meniscal or cartilage damage, at the same operation where appropriate.
ACL reconstruction may be considered when the knee remains unstable or an ACL injury prevents you returning safely and confidently to the activities that matter to you.
This is particularly relevant for people wanting to return to sports involving pivoting, twisting and rapid changes of direction, such as football, rugby, netball, hockey and skiing.
The decision is not based on an MRI scan alone. Your symptoms, examination, age, sporting goals and any other injuries within the knee all matter.
Read more: ACL injuries →
No.
Some people can achieve a stable, confident knee with good rehabilitation alone. Others, particularly those experiencing instability or hoping to return to pivoting or contact sport, may benefit from ACL reconstruction.
Working out whether you need surgery at all is an important part of our first consultation.
I have a particular interest in treating ACL injuries in children, teenagers and young athletes.
Growing knees need additional consideration when planning ACL surgery, particularly for young people hoping to return to demanding sport.
In higher-risk patients I may also recommend a lateral extra-articular tenodesis (LET) alongside the ACL reconstruction to provide additional rotational stability. I will explain whether this is appropriate for you or your child during the consultation.
Read more: ACL injury in children → · ACL injury prevention →
An ACL reconstruction is not simply about fixing an MRI scan. The aim is to give you a knee that feels stable and trustworthy for the life and sport you want to return to.
I take time to understand how the injury happened, what your knee is doing now and what you want to get back to.
If surgery is right for you, I will explain the operation, graft choice, rehabilitation, expected benefits and risks in clinic. You will then receive detailed written information to read at home before making a final decision.
A consultation does not commit you to having an operation.
Your first appointment involves discussing your injury and goals, examining your knee and reviewing your MRI scan or other imaging.
If ACL reconstruction looks like the right option, we will then discuss your individual surgical and rehabilitation pathway.
There is no pressure to make a decision on the day.
Read more: Patient journey →
I offer private knee consultations in Reading, Henley, Windsor and London and treat both insured and self-funding patients.
If you are considering paying for your own ACL assessment or treatment, you can contact Debbie, my secretary, directly.
Read more: Fees →
No. Some people do very well with structured rehabilitation alone. Whether surgery is appropriate depends on your knee, your symptoms and what you want to return to doing.
Yes. ACL reconstruction includes a keyhole assessment of the knee. If there is associated damage, such as a meniscal tear or cartilage injury, this can often be assessed and treated during the same operation.
Yes. ACL reconstruction can be performed in children and teenagers when appropriate, but growth and skeletal maturity need to be considered when planning surgery. I regularly assess and treat ACL injuries in young athletes.
A lateral extra-articular tenodesis (LET) is an additional procedure on the outside of the knee that can be performed alongside ACL reconstruction to provide extra rotational stability. I use it particularly in selected younger, higher-risk patients.
Return to sport is individual. I prefer decisions to be based on your rehabilitation, strength, control and objective testing rather than simply reaching a particular date after surgery.
If you are using private medical insurance, your insurer may require a referral or authorisation. If you are self-funding, you can contact Debbie directly.
If an ACL injury is stopping you returning confidently to sport or your knee continues to feel unstable, the first step is a specialist assessment to understand the injury and talk through your options.
You do not need to have decided that you want surgery before coming to see me.
NEV DAVIES
FRCS (Tr & Orth), Consultant Trauma & Orthopaedic Surgeon
Written and reviewed by Mr Nev Davies FRCS (Tr & Orth), Consultant Trauma & Orthopaedic Surgeon and specialist knee surgeon. Last reviewed: September 2026.
This page provides general information about ACL reconstruction and cannot take account of your individual circumstances. It should not be treated as personal medical advice.