Treatment considers your injury, knee stability, imaging and activity goals. Options range from rehabilitation to joint-preserving surgery and reconstruction.
Areas of focus
- ACL reconstruction and selective repair — Patellar and quadriceps tendon autografts are generally favored for athletes; BEAR repair is reserved for carefully selected tears.
- Meniscus repair and preservation — Preserving functional meniscal tissue when feasible.
- Cartilage restoration and joint preservation — MACI, osteochondral allograft and alignment correction when appropriate.
- Multiligament and complex knee instability — evaluation of associated injuries, alignment and reconstructive options.
- Revision surgery — understanding prior procedures, graft problems and remaining treatment options.
Why joint preservation matters
Preserving meniscal tissue, restoring stability and correcting alignment may support long-term knee function. Not every abnormal imaging finding requires surgery.
From diagnosis through rehabilitation
Every surgical patient receives a data-driven physical therapy protocol tailored to the operation and activity goals in the postoperative folder on surgery day. Bring it to your first physical therapy visit and use it throughout recovery. Early priorities are protected motion and quadriceps control, followed by walking mechanics, strength and activity progression. Crutch and brace restrictions differ for ACL reconstruction, MPFL/TTO and cartilage procedures; your written protocol guides each stage.
ACL recovery · MPFL and TTO recovery · Cartilage recovery
Research-informed decision making
Dr. Haber has contributed to many peer-reviewed studies involving ACL reconstruction, meniscus transplantation, cartilage rehabilitation and elite-athlete return to play. Explore selected publications.
Common questions
Is an MRI always necessary for knee pain?
Not always. The history, physical exam and sometimes X-rays guide whether an MRI would meaningfully change treatment.
Will I need knee surgery after an ACL tear?
Treatment depends on the instability, activity demands, associated injuries and patient goals. Surgery can be considered for people seeking pivoting sports or experiencing ongoing instability.