ACL Reconstruction Surgery

ACL Overview

Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries are among the most common and consequential sports injuries in the United States, affecting an estimated 250,000 to 300,000 individuals each year and generating more than $2 billion in annual healthcare costs. The ACL is one of the most important ligaments in the body, providing critical stability to the knee joint during cutting, pivoting, and deceleration. More than 70% of ACL tears occur through noncontact mechanisms, often during sports that involve sudden direction changes, jumping, or landing. Female athletes face a disproportionately higher risk, with studies showing two to eight times greater incidence compared to males in the same sports.

Unfortunately, the ACL has poor intrinsic healing potential due to its intra-articular environment. ACL surgery by a fellowship-trained ACL surgeon like Dr. Burnham is typically required to reconstruct the torn ligament and restore knee stability. In select cases, the ACL can be repaired rather than reconstructed. However, most patients require a full reconstruction using tendon tissue to replace the damaged ligament. With 130,000 to 175,000 ACL reconstructions performed annually in the United States, this procedure represents one of the most studied and refined operations in all of orthopedic surgery.

ACL Anatomy and Function

The anterior cruciate ligament is a complex, multi-fiber structure that runs diagonally through the center of the knee, connecting the femur (thighbone) to the tibia (shinbone). It is the primary restraint against anterior tibial translation, meaning it prevents the shinbone from sliding too far forward relative to the thighbone. Equally important, the ACL serves as a critical rotational stabilizer, controlling the pivoting and twisting movements that are fundamental to sports performance.

What makes ACL injuries particularly challenging is that the ligament does not exist in isolation. The knee’s stability depends on a network of interconnected structures, including the menisci, the anterolateral complex (a group of structures on the outside of the knee), and the geometry of the bones themselves. Dr. Burnham’s research on the anterolateral complex has contributed to the understanding of how these secondary stabilizers interact with the ACL, and why addressing the full spectrum of injury is essential to achieving successful outcomes.

The ACL also contains specialized nerve fibers called mechanoreceptors that provide the brain with information about the knee’s position in space. When the ACL tears, patients lose not just mechanical stability but also this proprioceptive feedback, which is one reason why comprehensive rehabilitation is so important after reconstruction.

Who Needs ACL Surgery?

Not every ACL tear requires surgery. The decision depends on a combination of factors that Dr. Burnham evaluates during a comprehensive consultation: the patient’s age, activity level, sport demands, degree of knee instability, and the presence of associated injuries to the meniscus or other ligaments. Young athletes who want to return to cutting and pivoting sports almost always benefit from reconstruction, as the knee will likely give way repeatedly during high-demand activities without a functional ACL.

For patients who are less active or willing to modify their activities, a structured rehabilitation program focused on strengthening the muscles around the knee may allow a return to daily life without surgery. However, long-term studies show that living with a torn ACL increases the cumulative risk of meniscus tears and cartilage damage over time, so the decision is not simply about today’s activity level but also about protecting the knee for decades to come.

Associated injuries also influence the decision. If MRI or clinical examination reveals a meniscus tear, cartilage damage, or injury to other ligaments, surgery often becomes more clearly indicated. Dr. Burnham’s published research on the continuum of rotatory laxity has shown that the degree of instability increases progressively as more structures are injured, making a thorough evaluation of the full injury pattern essential before recommending a treatment plan.

Individualized, Anatomic ACL Surgery

The evolution of ACL reconstruction over the past four decades represents one of the most significant advances in orthopedic surgery. Early techniques from the 1980s and 1990s placed the new ligament in a non-anatomic position, often using a transtibial drilling method that compromised the accuracy of the femoral tunnel. Data from the Multicenter ACL Revision Study (MARS), one of the largest studies ever conducted on failed ACL reconstructions, found that femoral tunnel malposition was identified in nearly half (47.6%) of all revision cases studied, making it the single most common technical error, while tibial tunnel malposition was present in 37% of cases. These findings fundamentally changed how surgeons approach the procedure.

Modern ACL reconstruction, as practiced by Dr. Burnham and the team at Ochsner-Andrews Sports Medicine Institute, is built on four enduring principles outlined in Dr. Burnham’s textbook chapter on ACL reconstruction: first, understand individual anatomic variation; second, recognize that the ACL is a dynamic structure; third, strive to restore native anatomy; and fourth, accept that no single approach works for every patient. Using advanced imaging, direct arthroscopic visualization, and detailed measurements, Dr. Burnham positions each tunnel based on the patient’s unique anatomy rather than using a one-size-fits-all technique.

Precision matters not just in placement but also in size. Dr. Burnham’s research on bony morphologic factors has demonstrated that individual variations in tibial slope, femoral notch dimensions, and overall knee geometry all influence reconstruction outcomes. For example, a tibial slope greater than 12 degrees or a femoral notch width index below 0.27 can increase the risk of graft failure, making preoperative measurement and surgical planning essential. This individualized approach avoids the problems that can occur with grafts that are either too large or too small, helping optimize both healing and function.

Understanding Rotatory Knee Instability

One of the most significant advances in ACL surgery over the past decade has been the recognition that restoring anterior-posterior stability alone is not enough. Many patients continue to experience a sense of giving way or instability during pivoting activities even after a technically successful ACL reconstruction. This phenomenon, called rotatory knee instability, occurs because the ACL does not work alone. Multiple structures contribute to the knee’s rotational control, and understanding this full picture is critical to achieving the best possible outcomes.

Dr. Burnham’s research, published in the Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery, demonstrated a progressive continuum of rotatory laxity using quantitative pivot shift measurements in 354 patients from the PIVOT Study. Patients with a partial ACL tear averaged 1.4 mm of lateral compartment translation, those with a complete tear averaged 2.5 mm, and patients with a failed prior reconstruction showed 3.3 mm. This data confirmed that rotatory instability exists on a spectrum and worsens with cumulative structural damage.

Based on this research and clinical experience, the team at Ochsner-Andrews evaluates three critical factors when addressing rotatory knee instability:

Meniscus status. The menisci are powerful secondary stabilizers of the knee. Ramp lesions (tears at the meniscus-capsular junction) are frequently underdiagnosed, with MRI sensitivity as low as 54% to 85% compared to arthroscopic evaluation. When the meniscus is damaged, cumulative meniscectomy rates increase dramatically: from 23% at the time of primary ACL reconstruction to 33% between surgeries, 67% at revision, and 70% after revision. Preserving and repairing the meniscus at the time of ACL reconstruction is one of the most impactful decisions a surgeon can make for the long-term health of the knee.

The anterolateral complex. Dr. Burnham has published extensively on the anterolateral complex (ALC), a group of structures on the outside of the knee that includes the anterolateral ligament and the iliotibial band. His research in the Journal of Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research helped define how these structures contribute to rotational control. When the ALC is injured alongside the ACL, standard reconstruction alone may not be sufficient to restore full stability. In these cases, a lateral extra-articular tenodesis (LET), a procedure that reinforces the outside of the knee, can be added to improve rotational control.

Posterior tibial slope. The angle of the top of the tibia, known as the posterior tibial slope, plays a biomechanical role in ACL loading. A steeper slope increases the resting anterior translation of the tibia and places greater stress on a reconstructed ACL. When the slope is significantly elevated and contributes to graft failure risk, correction through a slope-reducing osteotomy may be considered as part of a comprehensive treatment plan.

ACL Reconstruction Graft Options

When reconstructing an ACL, the choice of graft material is a crucial decision that Dr. Burnham discusses carefully with each patient. Two main categories exist: autografts (using the patient’s own tissue) and allografts (using donor tissue). Each choice has specific advantages for different patient situations, and several individual patient factors, including age, activity level, and athletic goals, play a role in the decision making. The landscape of graft choice has shifted dramatically over the past three decades. Bone-patellar tendon-bone grafts accounted for approximately 90% of ACL reconstructions in 1992; by 2020, that number had dropped below 40% as surgeons gained experience with alternative graft sources.

Quadriceps Tendon (QT) Autograft

The quadriceps tendon has emerged as a premier graft choice for ACL reconstruction, supported by extensive research including Dr. Burnham’s published studies. This robust tendon, harvested from just above the kneecap, offers compelling structural advantages. According to data from Dr. Burnham’s textbook chapter on graft choice and fixation, the quadriceps tendon is approximately 1.8 times thicker than the patellar tendon, contains 20% more collagen by cross-sectional area, and demonstrates a stiffness of 466 N/mm compared to 278 N/mm for patellar tendon grafts. Its cross-sectional area averages 91 mm² compared to 48 mm² for patellar tendon, meaning more robust tissue is available for reconstruction.

Beyond structural superiority, the quadriceps tendon graft offers a significant advantage in donor site morbidity. The same textbook chapter reports donor site complication rates of 11.2% for quadriceps tendon harvest, compared to 27.3% for hamstring tendon and 43.3% for bone-patellar tendon-bone grafts. Patients particularly appreciate that quadriceps tendon grafts avoid common issues associated with other graft choices, such as anterior knee pain, kneeling discomfort, or the need for supplemental donor tissue. The graft can be harvested with or without a bone block, with the soft tissue technique (without bone block) being preferred for its excellent outcomes and simplified surgical approach. Learn more about why the quadriceps tendon is considered the graft of the future.

While some research, including a study co-authored by Dr. Burnham, shows a potential temporary decrease in quadriceps strength during early recovery (quadriceps index of 69.5% at 5 to 8 months compared to 82.8% for patellar tendon and 86.0% for hamstring), partial thickness harvesting and specialized rehabilitation protocols help ensure patients regain full strength before returning to sports.

Biologic Augmentation of Graft Harvest Site

To further address early quadriceps recovery after harvest, Dr. Burnham and his research team are investigating biologic augmentation of the donor site. Amniotic membrane, tissue derived from the umbilical cord and placenta after live births, contains a rich concentration of growth factors that have been used extensively in orthopedic surgery to promote tissue healing. In a novel application, Dr. Burnham developed a technique to apply amniotic membrane directly to the quadriceps tendon harvest site at the time of ACL reconstruction. The goal is to accelerate donor site healing and reduce the early quadriceps strength deficit that represents one of the remaining challenges with this otherwise superior graft choice.

This technique is currently being studied in a single-center, double-blinded randomized controlled trial at Ochsner-Andrews Sports Medicine Institute, funded by the AOSSM Playmaker Grant, an Arthrex Global Grant, and the Louisiana Orthopaedic Association Research Grant. With 19 of 40 patients enrolled and interim results presented at the 2026 Louisiana Orthopaedic Association Annual Meeting, this study represents one of the first clinical trials to examine biologic augmentation of the graft harvest site in ACL reconstruction. If the results confirm improved early quadriceps recovery, this approach could change how surgeons optimize the donor site during ACL surgery.

Bone-Patellar Tendon-Bone (BTB) Graft

The bone-patellar tendon-bone (BTB) graft has long been considered the historical gold standard for ACL reconstruction, particularly among competitive athletes. Its distinctive advantage lies in the bone blocks at each end, which promote robust bone-to-bone healing within the tunnels. This graft choice has an extensive track record, having been successfully used in millions of patients, including elite athletes across various sports. At its peak, the BTB graft was used in approximately 90% of all ACL reconstructions performed in the early 1990s.

As with any graft, there are important considerations. While the BTB graft provides excellent strength, patients may experience anterior knee pain and kneeling discomfort, with donor site complication rates approaching 43% according to published data. Additionally, there is a small risk of patellar fracture during harvesting, and the tendon’s thickness is less substantial compared to alternatives like the quadriceps tendon. These factors, combined with the emergence of newer graft options with lower donor site morbidity, have contributed to the decline in BTB usage over the past two decades. However, for certain patient populations, particularly those in whom bone-to-bone healing is prioritized, the BTB graft remains an excellent choice.

Hamstrings Autograft

Hamstring tendon grafts are widely used in ACL reconstruction, accounting for an estimated 33% to 53% of all procedures worldwide. The harvesting process involves taking one or two tendons (the semitendinosus and gracilis) from the inner side of the knee, which are then folded over to create a multi-strand graft construct. The procedure offers several advantages: it requires only a small incision, adds minimal surgical time, and patients typically experience less anterior knee pain compared to patellar tendon harvesting.

However, recent research, including Dr. Burnham’s clinical studies, has identified important considerations. Current data suggests that hamstring grafts may have a higher failure rate compared to quadriceps and BTB grafts, particularly in younger, high-demand athletes. There are also questions about their ability to fully restore rotational stability. One surgical challenge is the unpredictable size of the harvested tendons: in some cases, supplemental donor tissue may be needed to achieve optimal graft thickness. These factors make careful patient selection particularly important when considering hamstring grafts.

Allograft (Donor or Cadaver Tendons)

Donor tissue (allograft) offers unique advantages in ACL reconstruction, providing surgical flexibility with various size options and configurations. This approach eliminates harvest site pain and reduces surgical time since no tissue needs to be taken from the patient’s own body.

However, research has clearly demonstrated significantly higher failure rates when using allografts in younger, active patients. Published data shows a 5.2 times greater graft rupture risk with allograft compared to bone-patellar tendon-bone autograft, making allograft tissue generally not recommended for active patients under 30. Based on this evidence, Dr. Burnham and his team typically reserve allograft use for specific situations, such as revision surgeries or cases where autograft options are limited. For older or less athletically active patients, allografts remain a viable option, offering a good balance of stability and recovery comfort.

Graft Fixation: From Hardware to Biology

How the graft is secured inside the bone tunnels is just as important as which graft is chosen. Fixation technology has undergone a remarkable evolution over the past three decades, moving from bulky metal hardware toward smaller, more biologically compatible solutions that work with the body’s natural healing processes rather than against them.

Traditional Fixation Methods

Early ACL reconstruction relied primarily on metal interference screws that compressed the graft against the tunnel wall. While effective at achieving initial fixation, metal hardware creates artifacts on MRI imaging that can obscure postoperative assessment, and some patients experience hardware-related discomfort that occasionally requires a second surgery for removal. Metal implants also create stress shielding, a phenomenon where the rigid hardware absorbs mechanical forces that would otherwise stimulate natural bone remodeling, potentially contributing to tunnel widening over time.

Suspensory fixation using cortical buttons represented a major advance, with usage growing from approximately 8% of all ACL reconstructions in 2005 to over 50% by 2015. Traditional cortical buttons anchor the graft by looping over the outer surface of the bone, distributing forces more naturally. However, the original designs still relied on metal components with their associated drawbacks.

Bioabsorbable polymer screws and anchors emerged as the next generation, eliminating permanent metal from the joint. Made from materials such as poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA) and polyglycolic acid (PGA), these implants were designed to resorb over two to five years. While they solved the hardware permanence problem, they introduced new concerns: acidic byproducts from polymer degradation could trigger local inflammatory responses, and the voids left behind as the material resorbed were often filled with fibrous tissue rather than bone, sometimes contributing to tunnel widening.

Next-Generation Fixation: Respecting Natural Biology

The latest generation of fixation technology represents a paradigm shift. Rather than leaving behind a permanent foreign body (metal) or a void (traditional absorbable polymers), these systems are designed to work with the body’s natural healing cascade, providing mechanical support during the critical early healing window and then integrating with or being replaced by the patient’s own tissue.

All-suture cortical buttons. Dr. Burnham and colleagues published a technique in Arthroscopy Techniques describing an all-inside ACL reconstruction using quadriceps tendon autograft with all-suture cortical button fixation. This approach eliminates metal entirely from the construct. The all-suture design uses a flat-tape loop that flips on the cortical surface, providing proven suspensory fixation without the drawbacks of metal: no MRI artifact, no hardware prominence, no risk of requiring removal surgery. Because the construct is adjustable, the surgeon can fine-tune graft tension intraoperatively for optimal biomechanics.

Bio-integrative mineral fiber technology. On the cutting edge of fixation science are bio-integrative anchors made from mineral fiber-reinforced biopolymer composites. Unlike traditional absorbable implants that leave behind voids, these devices are designed to be progressively replaced by the patient’s own bone. The mineral fibers act as nucleation sites for new bone formation: as the polymer matrix resorbs, osteoblasts migrate to the exposed mineral surfaces and deposit new bone directly on the implant. Over 12 to 24 months, the anchor site transitions from implant to living bone, essentially becoming indistinguishable from native tissue. This technology avoids the inflammatory response associated with older polymer systems and the tunnel widening associated with void formation, while maintaining strong initial fixation during the critical graft incorporation period.

These advances reflect a broader philosophy in orthopedic surgery: smaller footprints that respect natural biology. Instead of overengineering with bulky hardware, the trend is toward implants that do their job during healing and then get out of the way, allowing the patient’s own biology to restore the surgical site to its natural state. At Ochsner-Andrews Sports Medicine Institute, Dr. Burnham incorporates these technologies as part of a commitment to providing patients with the most advanced, evidence-based surgical options available.

How Long Does ACL Surgery Take?

ACL reconstruction surgery typically takes between 60 and 90 minutes from the time the patient enters the operating room to the completion of the procedure. The exact duration depends on several factors, including the type of graft used, whether additional procedures are performed at the same time, and the complexity of the individual case. A straightforward primary ACL reconstruction using quadriceps tendon autograft, for example, may be completed in approximately one hour, while a case that also requires meniscus repair, anterolateral ligament reconstruction, or cartilage treatment may extend to 90 minutes or longer.

The surgery itself is performed arthroscopically through small incisions, meaning it is minimally invasive. Most patients go home the same day. Patients are typically under general anesthesia with a peripheral nerve block for postoperative pain control, which significantly reduces discomfort in the first 12 to 24 hours after surgery. The outpatient nature of the procedure means patients are usually back in their own home within a few hours of the operation.

Recovery and Return to Sport

Recovery after ACL reconstruction is a structured, phased process that typically spans 9 to 12 months before a patient is cleared for full return to sport. The rehabilitation journey is just as important as the surgery itself. Published data shows that while approximately 80% of patients return to some sporting activity after ACL reconstruction, only about 65% return to their pre-injury level, and approximately 55% return to competitive-level sport. These numbers underscore the importance of a rigorous, individualized rehabilitation program.

Dr. Burnham’s most recent research, published in the International Journal of Sports Physical Therapy, examined hip and core muscle assessment in ACL reconstruction patients, reinforcing the concept that successful return to sport requires attention to the entire kinetic chain, not just the knee. The rehabilitation team at Ochsner-Andrews Sports Medicine Institute, led by physical therapist Luke Bunch, DPT, OCS, SCS, uses criteria-based progression rather than time-based milestones, meaning patients advance through each phase only when they demonstrate the necessary strength, stability, and movement quality.

For a detailed breakdown of each recovery phase, including specific milestones and timelines, visit the ACL Surgery Recovery Timeline. Patients looking for phase-specific exercises can find a comprehensive guide at ACL Rehab Exercises by Phase. For athletes focused on the final stages of rehabilitation and sport-specific testing, the Return to Sport After ACL Surgery page covers the evidence-based criteria used to determine readiness.

Before and After ACL Surgery: Patient Recovery Stories

The numbers and percentages above tell part of the story, but the real measure of a successful ACL reconstruction is what patients are able to do afterward that they could not do before surgery. The following patients represent a range of ages, activity levels, and goals, from high school varsity athletes to adult recreational competitors. Each one went through the same structured process: evaluation, individualized surgical planning, ACL reconstruction by Dr. Burnham, and team-based rehabilitation at Ochsner-Andrews Sports Medicine Institute.

Corinna Coffin is a hybrid athlete and Tactical Games competitor who tore her ACL during training. Before surgery, she was unable to perform the cutting, sprinting, and obstacle course movements that define her sport. She chose ACL reconstruction with quadriceps tendon autograft performed by Dr. Burnham. After completing the full rehabilitation program, Corinna returned to competition at the Tactical Games, demonstrating full confidence in her knee during high-demand athletic movements.

Betsy Bernhardt, a Pilates instructor, track coach, and recreational tennis player from the Baton Rouge area, tore her ACL during a tug of war at her children’s school fundraiser. Before surgery, she could not teach Pilates classes, coach track, or play tennis without her knee giving way. She chose ACL reconstruction with Dr. Burnham at Ochsner-Andrews Sports Medicine Institute. After surgery and rehabilitation, Betsy returned to all of her activities, crediting the detailed communication and consistency from the surgical and physical therapy teams throughout the process.

Deontae Camel, a running back at St. Michael the Archangel High School in Baton Rouge, tore his ACL before his junior season. Before surgery, he faced the possibility of missing an entire year of football. He underwent ACL reconstruction with Dr. Burnham and committed to the full rehabilitation program with the team at Ochsner-Andrews. After completing the process, Deontae returned for his senior season and scored three touchdowns in his first game back. St. Michael finished the season 8-4 and reached the LHSAA Division II Select playoffs.

Brennan Villa, a wide receiver and outfielder at St. Paul’s High School in Covington, Louisiana, tore his ACL and meniscus. Before surgery, he was unable to compete in either sport. He chose ACL reconstruction with Dr. Burnham at Ochsner-Andrews Sports Medicine Institute and committed to the full rehabilitation process. After returning to competition, Brennan earned All-District honors at wide receiver, highlighted by a 94-yard touchdown reception, while also contributing as a key player on the baseball team.

Addressing Complex ACL Cases

Not all ACL injuries are straightforward. A significant portion of patients present with additional challenges that require specialized expertise and a more comprehensive surgical plan.

Revision ACL reconstruction. When a previous ACL reconstruction fails, revision surgery presents unique challenges. Dr. Burnham’s research in Operative Techniques in Orthopaedics found that the retear rate in the highest-risk groups approaches 34%, with half of failures occurring within the first 12 months. Femoral tunnel malposition is the most common technical error identified in failed reconstructions, found in 36% to 47% of revision cases. Approximately 90% of revision patients have meniscal or chondral damage, and tunnel widening beyond 16 mm may require a staged procedure with bone grafting before a new ligament can be reconstructed.

ACL injuries in female athletes. Dr. Burnham’s published research in Clinics in Sports Medicine has examined the unique factors that place female athletes at higher risk for ACL injury, including differences in neuromuscular control, lower extremity alignment, and hormonal influences. Neuromuscular training programs incorporating plyometrics, balance, and strengthening exercises performed more than once per week for a minimum of six weeks have been shown to reduce ACL tear rates by 17% to 18%. Learn more about female ACL injury risk and prevention strategies.

Combined ACL and meniscus injuries. When the ACL tears, the meniscus frequently sustains damage as well. Addressing both injuries at the time of surgery, rather than removing damaged meniscal tissue, has been shown to dramatically improve long-term outcomes and reduce the risk of early-onset arthritis. Read about the approach to combined ACL and meniscus injuries.

Partial ACL tears. Not all ACL injuries involve a complete rupture. Partial tears present a diagnostic and treatment challenge, and the approach depends on the degree of functional instability and the patient’s activity demands. Learn about when partial ACL tears require surgery and when they can be managed without it.

Active Research and Clinical Trials

Dr. Burnham and the team at Ochsner-Andrews Sports Medicine Institute are actively involved in research that is shaping the future of ACL treatment. With 127 peer-reviewed publications, book chapters, and scientific presentations, and multiple active clinical trials, the program contributes to the global evidence base while offering patients in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and the surrounding region access to the latest advances.

STABILITY 2 Trial (NIH-funded). This multi-center randomized controlled trial, funded by the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS), is investigating whether adding a lateral extra-articular tenodesis to standard ACL reconstruction reduces re-injury rates in high-risk patients. Dr. Burnham serves as a site principal investigator. (ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT03935750)

STaR Trial (Department of Defense-funded). This multi-center trial examines surgical timing and rehabilitation approaches for multiple ligament knee injuries, one of the most devastating patterns of knee trauma. Dr. Burnham serves as a site principal investigator. (ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT03543098)

Amnion ACL Reconstruction Trial. This single-center, double-blinded randomized controlled trial is investigating the use of amniotic membrane at the quadriceps tendon harvest site to determine whether biologic augmentation can accelerate donor site healing and improve early quadriceps recovery. Funded by the AOSSM Playmaker Grant, an Arthrex Global Grant, and the Louisiana Orthopaedic Association Research Grant, this study represents a novel approach to one of the remaining challenges in ACL reconstruction. Interim results were presented at the 2026 Louisiana Orthopaedic Association Annual Meeting.

Muscle Oxygenation Study (LOA Research Grant 2026). The newest study from the Ochsner-Andrews research program, led by orthopaedic research fellow Tommy Drazick, MD, uses near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) sensors to longitudinally track quadriceps muscle oxygenation at five timepoints during ACL rehabilitation. This study aims to provide objective, real-time data on muscle recovery that could change how clinicians monitor rehabilitation progress.

ACL Surgery in Baton Rouge, Louisiana

Patients seeking ACL reconstruction in Baton Rouge have access to one of the most comprehensive sports medicine programs in the Gulf South. Dr. Jeremy Burnham and the team at Ochsner-Andrews Sports Medicine Institute bring fellowship-trained surgical expertise, a dedicated ACL research program with 127 peer-reviewed publications, and a criteria-based return-to-sport protocol that uses markerless motion capture and force plate testing at the Elite Training Complex in Baton Rouge. The program serves as a site for two federally funded clinical trials (NIH STABILITY 2 and Department of Defense STaR Trial), offering patients access to the most advanced ACL treatments being studied anywhere in the country.

Dr. Burnham regularly treats patients from across Louisiana and Mississippi, including those traveling from New Orleans, Lafayette, Hammond, Lake Charles, Shreveport, and the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Whether the injury involves an isolated ACL tear, a combined ACL and meniscus tear, or a complex multiligament knee injury, the surgical approach is individualized to the patient’s anatomy, activity level, and long-term goals. For families researching the best ACL surgeon in Baton Rouge, the combination of high-volume surgical experience, active research, and a team-based rehabilitation model is designed to give every patient the highest probability of a successful outcome.

The Bottom Line

ACL reconstruction has evolved from a one-size-fits-all procedure into a highly individualized operation where tunnel placement, graft selection, fixation technology, and the management of secondary stabilizers are all tailored to the patient. The surgeons and research team at Ochsner-Andrews Sports Medicine Institute bring this comprehensive, evidence-based approach to every patient. Whether the goal is returning an elite athlete to competition, helping a weekend warrior get back to their favorite activities, or protecting a young patient’s knee for the long term, the principles remain the same: restore anatomy, address the full injury pattern, and support recovery with rigorous, criteria-based rehabilitation. For patients in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and across the Gulf South seeking the most advanced ACL care available, Dr. Burnham and his team are committed to delivering outcomes backed by research and refined through experience.

References

1. Burnham JM, Wright V. Update on Anterior Cruciate Ligament Rupture and Care in the Female Athlete. Clinics in Sports Medicine. 2017;36(4):703-715. Full Text | PubMed
2. Burnham JM, Herbst E, Pauyo T, et al. Technical Considerations in Revision Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) Reconstruction. Operative Techniques in Orthopaedics. 2016;26(3):198-207. Full Text
3. Burnham JM, Pfeiffer T, Shin JJ, Herbst E, Fu FH. Bony Morphologic Factors Affecting Injury Risk, Rotatory Stability, Outcomes, and Re-tear Rate After ACL Reconstruction. Annals of Joint. 2017;2(7). Full Text
4. Burnham JM, Pauyo T, et al. The Anterolateral Complex of the Knee: A Review. Journal of Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research. 2016. Full Text
5. Lian J, Diermeier T, Meghpara M, et al. Rotatory Knee Laxity Exists on a Continuum in Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injury. Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery. 2020;102(Suppl 1):17-22. Full Text | PubMed
6. Hughes JD, Burnham JM, Gong C, et al. Comparison of Short-term Biodex Results After Anatomic Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction Among Three Autografts. Orthopaedic Journal of Sports Medicine. 2019;7(5). Full Text | PubMed
7. Richman EH, Hop CE, McGinley SA, Burnham JM, Mitchell JJ, Krych AJ, Frank RM. All-Suture Cortical Button Fixation in All-Inside Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction With Quadriceps Tendon Autograft. Arthroscopy Techniques. 2025;14(12):103956. Full Text | DOI
8. Pratt JP, McHardy R, Burnham JM. ACL Reconstruction: Bone Tunnels, Graft Choice, and Fixation. In: Knee Arthroscopy and Knee Preservation Surgery. Springer; 2023:381-400.
9. Burnham JM, Drazick AT, Aminake G, Johnson DL, Ireland M, Noehren BW. Current Concepts in Hip and Core Assessment to Reduce the Risk of ACL Injury. International Journal of Sports Physical Therapy. 2026;21(2):210-222. Full Text | Journal
10. Arner JW, Herbst E, Burnham JM, et al. MRI Can Accurately Detect Meniscal Ramp Lesions of the Knee. Knee Surgery, Sports Traumatology, Arthroscopy. 2017;25(12):3955-3960. PubMed

ACL Topics

Explore the full library of ACL resources from Dr. Burnham and the team at Ochsner-Andrews Sports Medicine Institute:

• ACL Surgery Recovery Timeline
• ACL Rehab Exercises by Phase
• Partial ACL Tear: Do You Need Surgery?
• Return to Sport After ACL Surgery
• ACL Brace Guide: Before and After Surgery
• ACL and Meniscus Surgery: Combined Injuries
• Female ACL Injury Risk and Prevention
• Quad Tendon: The ACL Graft of the Future
• Anterolateral Ligament (ALL) Reconstruction
• What Does ACL Surgery Cost in 2026?
• Timing of Common ACL Postoperative Milestones
• ACL Functional Progression
• ACL Rehabilitation and Non-operative Protocols
• What to Look for in an ACL Surgeon in Baton Rouge

FAQ. Frequently Asked Questions