Arthroscopic ACL surgery by the orthopedic surgeon who has treated Mexico’s professional footballers for more than 35 years. Built to get you back to sport with a stable knee.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Nicolás Zarur · Updated October 2026
An ACL tear doesn’t have to end your season, or your active life. Dr. Zarur has reconstructed the knees of professional footballers for more than three decades, and every patient gets the same plan built to return to sport safely.
Surgery time
Hospital stay
Walking with support
Return to sport
*Typical ranges. Your timeline depends on your injury, your sport and your rehab. [Validate all figures with Dr. Zarur.]
The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is one of the four main ligaments that keep your knee stable. It stops the shinbone from sliding forward and controls twisting movements.
Most tears happen without contact: a sudden stop, a change of direction or a bad landing. Many patients feel a pop, followed by swelling and a knee that gives way.
Not every ACL tear needs surgery. Dr. Zarur usually recommends reconstruction if you:
If your lifestyle is less demanding, a structured physical therapy program may be enough. We’ll tell you honestly which option fits you.
The procedure is done arthroscopically, through small incisions, using a camera and fine instruments. The torn ligament is replaced with a graft, usually taken from your own tendons, and fixed to the bone so a new ligament can grow.
[Dr. Zarur to describe his preferred graft and technique, and his experience in numbers: e.g., “more than X ACL reconstructions performed”.]
Recovery is a step-by-step process. This is a typical plan; yours will be adjusted at every follow-up.
Before surgery
Physical therapy to reduce swelling and recover full knee motion. Better preparation means a faster recovery.
Surgery day
Arthroscopic reconstruction. Most patients go home the same day or the next morning.
Weeks 1–2
Walking with crutches, controlling pain and swelling, and starting gentle exercises.
Weeks 3–6
Walking without crutches, regaining full motion and building strength.
Months 3–5
Jogging, cycling and sport-specific drills under supervision.
Months 6–9
Return to competition after passing strength and stability tests.
The goal is not just a stable knee, but returning to what you love with confidence. Before you go back to competition, we test your strength, balance and jumping to reduce the risk of a new injury.
Often yes. Many people can walk once the swelling goes down, but the knee may give way when you turn or change direction. That instability can damage the meniscus and cartilage over time, so it’s worth getting it checked.
You’ll have some pain during the first days, which is controlled with medication, ice and rest. Because the surgery is arthroscopic, recovery is usually more comfortable than open surgery.
It depends on which knee was operated on and your progress. [Confirm typical timeframe with Dr. Zarur.]
[Dr. Zarur to answer: graft options he uses and how he chooses for each patient.]
Yes, once Dr. Zarur clears you. [Confirm recommended days before flying and remote follow-up process.]
The cost depends on your diagnosis, the hospital and whether other injuries need repair. After reviewing your MRI we send you a written plan with the full cost. [Confirm if a price range will be published.]
Send us your MRI or book a visit in Tijuana or Mexico City. We’ll tell you if you need surgery, and what your options are.
Get a clear diagnosis and honest options. We reply within one business day.
Trusted by Champions
Former President of the Mexican Football Federation’s Medical Commission and team physician for Cruz Azul, Morelia, Veracruz and Frontón México.
