ACL Reconstruction

ACL Surgeon

Are you an athlete who participates in sports that involve jumping or quick stopping? If so, you may be at risk of tearing your anterior cruciate ligament, or ACL. An ACL injury is one of the most common injuries suffered by athletes. ACL specialist, Dr. Matthew Provencher provides diagnosis and both surgical and nonsurgical treatment options for patients in Vail who have suffered an ACL injury. Contact Dr. Provencher’s team today!

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What is an ACL Reconstruction?

The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is located in the front (anterior) of the knee and crosses (cruciate) in front of the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL). The ACL is the most commonly torn ligament in the knee joint, commonly seen in athletes and active individuals. Athletes are at an elevated risk of an injury to the ACL since they are actively involved in running, sudden change in direction and abrupt stopping. A patient may require an ACL surgery to repair the damage and to return stability and overall function to the knee if any injury occurs. Dr. Matthew Provencher, Vail, Aspen, Colorado Springs and Denver, Colorado area orthopedic knee surgeon, specializes in ACL reconstruction so athletes and other active individuals can return to the sporting activities they love.

What is an ACL Tear?

The main function of the ACL is to prevent the shinbone (tibia) from moving too far forward in relation to the thighbone (femur). When the ligament is stretched beyond its normal range of motion during a traumatic event, it can experience a mild stretch to a complete tear. Many patients report hearing a “popping” sound at the time of injury, followed by joint pain and swelling.

What are the Treatment Options for an ACL Injury?

If the ACL becomes damaged, an ACL surgery is commonly recommended by Dr. Provencher since the ligament does not heal on its own due to its poor blood supply and general knee anatomy. Certain patients may be prescribed non-surgical measures, such as a physical therapy rehabilitation program, but many active patients will opt for an ACL reconstruction so they can return to their pre-injury activity level.

Does an ACL Tear Require Surgery?

An ACL tear requiring surgery is typically repaired with an ACL reconstruction. Dr. Provencher will begin the surgical procedure by examining the inside of the knee joint with an arthroscope (tiny camera) and special surgical tools. Once he determines injury severity, the surgical tools will be used to remove the damaged ligament ends, as well as any other areas of soft tissue damage. Dr. Provencher will then reconstruct the torn ligament using a graft, either an allograft or autograft, with the purpose of restoring the stabilizing properties of the native ACL. An autograft is donor tissue harvested from the patient, while an allograft is tissue harvested from a donor. The overall goal of ACL reconstruction is to properly place and secure a replacement graft in the proper position to ensure the best outcomes via an anatomical reconstruction. Based on each individual patient’s indications and lifestyle, the appropriate graft type, approach, and post-operative management will be chosen.

Are you a candidate for an ACL Reconstruction?

There are two ways to initiate a consultation with Dr. Provencher:

You can provide current X-rays and/or MRIs for a clinical case review with Dr. Provencher.

You can schedule an office consultation with Dr. Provencher.

Request Case Review or Office Consultation

What is the Recovery Following ACL Reconstruction?

Following a reconstructive ACL surgery, patients will be placed in a knee brace for a predetermined amount of time and encouraged to utilize crutches for about two weeks. Dr. Provencher will prescribe a physical therapy rehabilitation program aimed at restoring strength, range of motion and overall mobility to the repaired joint. It is strongly suggested that patients work with the in-house physical therapists at Howard Head Sports Medicine to optimize their rehabilitation. Depending on graft type and specific ACL reconstruction performed by Dr. Provencher, most patients can expect a full return to athletic activities in approximately 6-9 months.

For additional resources on ACL reconstruction, or to learn more about ACL surgery techniques, please contact the office of Dr. Matthew Provencher, orthopedic knee surgeon in the Vail, Aspen, Colorado Springs and Denver, Colorado area.

Matthew Provencher, MD | Orthopedic Knee & Shoulder Surgeon | Vail Aspen Denver Colorado Springs, CO

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Matthew Provencher, MD

66 reviews

James Wilson

Oct 11, 2024

by James Wilson on Matthew Provencher, MD

Senior Electronics development engineer

Wow the Steadman clinic and Doctor Matthew Provencher now that;s a super combination of expertise, experience, empathy, skill and a cherry picked staff with truly outstanding nurses and professional support staff. I was scared of shoulder surgery until I read Dr. Provencher BIO and talked to him. If your considering shoulder replacement surgery this is the place. In three weeks out now and people are amazed at my ability of movement and flexibility I have now. I love the Steadman Clinic and Dr. Matthew Provencher, He's Superman

Anne Miller

Jun 18, 2024

by Anne Miller on Matthew Provencher, MD

Grateful to Dr Provencher and his team

I am a 75-year old, active, athletic woman. Over the last few years, both of my shoulders reached a point where severe arthritis was affecting even day to day tasks. It started with one shoulder in 2021 and recently the second reverse shoulder replacement – both with Dr Provencher. Before my first one, I had received various recommendations including adjusting my lifestyle. Dr Provencher looked at my MRI and x-ray and asked what I enjoy doing and was quick to let me know I could be back to my active lifestyle soon – and he was right. He reads images faster and more accurately than any doctor I have consulted. He has many options available and if you need surgery he is the one to do it. Surgery is quick and the recovery is much easier than I anticipated. I am 10 days out from my second reverse shoulder and have no pain and gaining mobility already! My case for both shoulders was a bit more complicated due to bone integrity, severe arthritis and bicep tears. Dr Provencher has dealt innovatively with both complications and makes it seem straightforward although I know it was not. He is not only one an extraordinary surgeon, but also, a caring human being who takes the time with his patients and makes himself available if questions arise. His team is second to none – Maddy, Madison, Sam, Scott, Jasmin and in pre-op, Layla and Kevin – in terms of commitment, competence, compassion and responsiveness. Both times I have felt cared for and that resolving my situation mattered to him. Wherever you live, Dr Provencher and his team are the ones to trust. There is no need to live a compromised life!

Gene reiling

Jul 21, 2023

by Gene reiling on Matthew Provencher, MD

Success

If you are planning to see Dr Provencher ,do not hesitate ,do it. In 2018 Dr Provencher replaced my LCL. I had no complications and very little pain. I did my physical therapy as prescribed. I was able to ski 30 plus days the winter of 2019-2020. Before seeing dr Provencher I had spent a years time trying to solve my problem locally. I saw a pain specialist, orthopedic urgent care and a orthopedic surgeon. All had access to an mri done locally. It was also read by local radiologist. Pain dr gave injections as did orthopedic urgent care. No relief from pain. Orthopedic surgeon told me about arthritis, meniscus needing cleaning up and general deterioration from age. Told me to take ibuprofen for pain. At that time I reached out to Steadman Clinic. By luck of the draw I was assigned Dr Provencher. I took with me the mri that had been done locally and viewed by 3 local Drs and 1 PA. It took Dr Provencher less than a minute to tell me my problem was my LCL after viewing my mri. He told me my options . I selected surgery as I wanted to continue an active life style. It was a complete success!!

Knee | Shoulder | Joint Preservation | Arthroplasty