Understanding Expectations of ACL Surgery

Many athletes have unrealistic expectations regarding recovery from ACL surgery, often believing they will return to their previous level of performance more quickly than is typically feasible. Research indicates that a significant number of athletes expect to return to pre-injury levels shortly after surgery, with studies showing that two-thirds anticipate returning without any restrictions. However, evidence suggests that the average recovery timeline for a safe return to sport after ACL reconstruction is actually between 9 to 12 months, which is much longer than many athletes expect. This disconnect between expectation and reality highlights the need for better preoperative education to align realities with athletes' beliefs regarding their recovery.