TLDR: 1 failed BEAR implant, failed Quad graft and failed patellar graft + LET (both no rupture, just laxity). Perfect meniscus and cartilage, approaching symmetrical strength.
Feeling hopeless and wondering next steps.
Hey guys, hope everyone is doing well.
I’m 20M and I’ve had three ACL surgeries on my right knee in the past two years.
May 2024: BEAR implant, quick muscle return, very lax at 3-4 months, finished out sophomore year of college to find out I had no ACL (didn’t work)
May 2025: quad tendon autograft with a MGH trained surgeon who does hundreds of ACLs a year, felt lax just a month after. Surgeon said it was “patellar maltracking” but at our 6 months visit he admitted it was unstable with a positive pivot shift.
Jan 2026: patellar tendon autograft with LET with a an MGH surgeon whos a team physician for the Boston Bruins. Felt lax at about a month, surgeon admitted right away that it had a positive pivot shift. No pain, meniscus damage or cartilage damage. Lots of scars and weird nerve pain, but that will fade with time.
Each one has been more complex than the last, and despite the most recent revision in at MGH, I still have a positive pivot shift and gives way. My surgeon was genuinely surprised when it came back after swelling resolved.
The good news is my cartilage and menisci have been completely intact through all three surgeries, which I know is lucky. But I’m now trying to figure out the path forward, and it’s a lot to navigate emotionally and logistically at 20 years old. My muscles are still pretty strong and approaching symmetry too.
I’m now looking at potentially a fourth surgery and trying to find the right surgeon — someone who really specializes in complex revision cases. I’m in Boston but willing to travel anywhere.
For all of these, I’ve not had a retear or other injury during rehab. Once the swelling goes away, my knee just clunks because the tibia can move so freely. The ACL graft has been intact both times but doesn’t give stability.
A few things I’m genuinely curious about:
Has anyone had instability persist after multiple ACL surgeries? What did your path forward look like?
Has anyone seen surgeons at HSS in New York or UPMC in Pittsburgh for complex revision cases? What was the process like? I’m thinking of getting a minimum of 5 opinions and waiting about a year before considering further surgery.
Has anyone been told that loose connective tissue or hypermobility might be contributing to their ACL graft failures (no retear)?
Not necessarily looking for medical advice but it is appreciated. I’m mostly posting to hear about real experiences and knowing I’m not alone in dealing with something like this. It’s been a long two years.