ACL Reconstruction Perth | Foot and Ankle Surgeon Dr Gerard Hardisty
Torn your ACL? What recovery and surgery can look like
“A stable knee isn’t just about walking, it’s about feeling confident in every step.”
Consulting at
Murdoch
[All surgeons]
Wexford Medical Centre
Suite 13
3 Barry Marshall Pde
Murdoch WA 6150
Nedlands
[Dr O’Beirne & Dr Hardisty]
Hollywood Medical Centre
Suite 37
85 Monash Avenue
Nedlands WA 6008
Joondalup
[Dr Ghoshal]
Joondalup Health Campus
Suite 17, Specialist Medical Centre (East), 60 Shenton Avenue
Joondalup WA 6027
- Contact us
- 08 6166 3778
A torn knee ligament can change how stable and confident your movement feels. At Western Orthopaedic Clinic in Perth, ACL reconstruction is one of the ways our team helps restore knee strength, control, and trust in your body again.
ACL Perth | Understanding your knee
What the ACL does and why it matters
The anterior cruciate ligament, known as the ACL, is one of four major ligaments in your knee. It runs diagonally through the centre of the joint and keeps your knee stable, especially during twisting, pivoting, or sudden stops. It also helps prevent the shin bone from sliding too far forward beneath the thigh bone.
An ACL tear often happens during:
- A sudden change in direction
- Landing from a jump
- Quick deceleration or awkward twisting
- Sports or physical work that place stress on the knee
What does an ACL injury feel like?
Not all knee injuries are easy to spot, but an ACL tear often has clear signs. Many people feel or hear a “pop” in the knee when the injury occurs. Swelling usually develops quickly, often within the first few hours. After the initial pain settles, the knee may still feel unstable or weak, especially when trying to change direction, bend, or bear weight.
Some common symptoms include:
- A feeling that the knee might give way
- Trouble walking or completing basic movements
- Pain when twisting or rotating the leg
- Swelling that comes on rapidly after injury
- Loss of strength or confidence in the knee
ACL injuries are common in sports, but they also happen at work or during daily activity. At Western Orthopaedic Clinic, we offer ACL reconstruction to help you get back to moving with strength and control, whether you’re training, working, or simply walking comfortably.
When ACL reconstruction becomes an option
Not every ACL tear needs surgery. Our team will first look at your goals, symptoms, and how your knee performs during movement. In many cases, structured physiotherapy and a strengthening program can restore control. This is often the first step.
However, orthopaedic surgery is considered when:
- Your knee continues to feel unstable
- You struggle with daily activities or physical work
- You want to return to sport that involves pivoting or jumping
- Additional injuries, such as cartilage or meniscus damage, are present
We work with you to decide what’s right for your knee and your lifestyle.
ACL reconstruction surgery Perth
What ACL reconstruction involves
ACL reconstruction is a procedure where the torn ligament is replaced with a graft. The graft is usually taken from your own body, such as a hamstring or patellar tendon or sometimes a synthetic graft. This acts as a new ligament, gradually healing into place.
ACL reconstruction surgery is performed using keyhole (arthroscopic) techniques. That means small incisions are made to insert a camera and surgical instruments, which limits disruption to surrounding tissue.
Key points of the procedure include:
- Removal of damaged ACL fibres
- Preparation of bone tunnels for graft placement
- Insertion and fixation of the graft in the correct position
- Closure of small incisions with minimal stitching
The new ligament is then supported by a tailored rehabilitation plan to rebuild strength, coordination, and joint control.
How your recovery is planned
Recovery after ACL reconstruction happens in stages. You’ll be supported by your orthopaedic surgeon and physiotherapist, with each stage of recovery tailored to how your knee is responding.
Here’s what the general timeline may look like:
- First few weeks: Focus on reducing swelling, gentle movement, and reactivating muscles
- Weeks 4–12: Building strength, control, and range of motion
- Months 3–6: Higher-level rehabilitation including balance, coordination, and agility
- Months 6–12: Return to sport or heavy work, guided by testing and confidence in movement
Every recovery is different. You won’t be expected to push through pain or meet strict deadlines. Your knee guides the pace, and we stay with you the whole way.
Why ACL tears are rarely isolated
The ACL is just one part of the knee joint. When it tears, other structures may be affected too. We assess the whole knee to make sure nothing is missed, and your long-term mobility is protected.
Common associated conditions include:
- Meniscus tears – Cartilage damage that can cause locking or clicking
- Patellofemoral pain – Discomfort around the kneecap from muscle imbalance
- Chondral damage – Wear or injury to the cartilage lining the joint
- Early arthritis – Changes to joint surfaces from repeated injury or instability
Our team treats these issues alongside your ACL care so your knee feels supported and strong from all angles.
Physiotherapy before and after surgery
Rehabilitation is just as important as the operation itself. Whether or not you need surgery, physiotherapy plays a vital role in helping your knee recover and function well again. Our team will usually start you on a prehabilitation plan, or “prehab”, to strengthen the muscles around the knee before surgery. This makes recovery smoother and improves outcomes after your operation.
Physio before ACL reconstruction surgery helps with:
- Reducing swelling and stiffness
- Improving muscle strength and joint control
- Preparing you mentally and physically for recovery
After surgery, rehabilitation focuses on gradually rebuilding how your knee moves and responds. It includes:
- Restoring full range of motion
- Strengthening surrounding muscles
Improving balance and coordination - Rebuilding confidence in your movement
Your physio plan will be tailored to your lifestyle, your activity level, and how your body is responding. We work closely with trusted Perth physiotherapists to guide each phase and keep your progress on track.
ACL surgeon Perth
Why Dr Hardisty for ACL surgery
Dr Gerard Hardisty has been treating knee injuries in Perth for more than 25 years. He trained across Australia, North America, and Europe, and now focuses on advanced ligament repair and joint preservation.
“Helping someone trust their knee again means more than fixing a ligament. It’s about restoring how they move through life, at work, in sport, or simply getting up and down stairs.”
Dr Gerard Hardisty, Knee Surgeon Perth
He works closely with physiotherapists to guide you beyond the operating room. His care is honest, realistic, and built around what you need.
Dr Gerard Hardisty consults at both Hollywood Medical Centre in Nedlands and Wexford Medical Centre in Murdoch, making it easier to access care wherever you’re based in Perth.
Book a consultation to talk through your options
We kindly suggest booking a consultation if your knee no longer feels stable, or if you’ve been told you may need surgery. We’ll talk through your goals, examine your knee, and explain your treatment plan.
