Knee sports injuries specialist · High experience in ACL reconstruction
ACL Surgery (Anterior Cruciate Ligament) in Mexico
Trained at The Steadman Clinic · Advanced arthroscopic surgery. Latin America leader in ACL reconstruction — anatomic, minimally invasive technique to get you back to the sport you love.
What are you feeling?
Do you feel knee instability or have you suffered a sports injury?
An untreated ACL injury limits your sport, but also your daily life. The good news: with the right diagnosis and treatment, you can return to where you were — or even better.
Symptoms
- Sensation that the knee gives way
- Pain when twisting or running
- Swelling
- Difficulty returning to sport
What is the ACL?
The ligament that keeps your knee stable.
The Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) is one of the four main ligaments of the knee. It prevents the tibia from sliding forward relative to the femur and provides rotational stability.
When the ACL ruptures — typically during a pivot, landing, or contact injury — the knee loses its main stabilizer. The ligament does not heal on its own; reconstruction with a graft is the gold standard for active patients.
When is surgery needed?
Not every ACL tear needs surgery — but most active people do.
The decision is individual and depends on your age, activity level, associated injuries and life goals. In an honest consultation we evaluate whether surgery is truly the best option for you.
Surgery is typically indicated for:
- Active patients who want to return to pivoting or contact sports
- Persistent instability despite rehab
- Associated meniscal or cartilage injury
- Young patients with high functional demand
- Patients with physically demanding occupations
Why choose Dr. Iturbide
Latin America leader in ACL surgery — trained where it was invented.
The Steadman Clinic
Fellowship in Vail, Colorado — the world reference in ACL and complex knee surgery. Active referral relationship with Steadman patients.
UIC — Chicago, IL
Additional fellowship at the University of Illinois at Chicago in advanced arthroscopic and reconstructive knee surgery.
Elite athletes
Team physician for Pumas UNAM (6 years), the Mexican Sailing Federation and Olympic athletes.
The procedure
Arthroscopic, anatomic, individualized.
Every ACL surgery is planned in detail — graft choice, anatomy, associated injuries — to maximize stability and longevity of your new ligament.
Pre-surgical optimization
Accelerated pre-op rehab to reduce swelling, recover range of motion and strengthen the quadriceps — proven to improve final outcomes.
Minimally invasive arthroscopy
The procedure is performed through 2–3 small portals, with high-definition camera and Steadman-protocol instrumentation.
Graft selection
We individualize the graft (quadriceps, patellar tendon, hamstrings or allograft) based on your anatomy, sport and goals.
Anatomic reconstruction
Anatomic placement of the new ligament — the technique that produces the most stable and durable knees long-term.
Treatment of associated injuries
Meniscal repair (preserved whenever possible), cartilage and lateral ligament procedures in the same surgery.
Same-day discharge
Most patients go home the same day, walking with crutches and a brace.
Recovery timeline
A clear, criteria-based path back to your sport.
Recovery is not just about time — it's about meeting strength, stability and confidence milestones at each phase.
Pain control, swelling reduction, full extension, quad activation.
Walking without crutches, progressive range of motion, stationary bike.
Strengthening, balance and proprioception. Begin elliptical and pool work.
Running progression, plyometrics, sport-specific training.
Return-to-sport testing. Return to pivoting sports based on objective criteria — not only time.
Results
Athletes back on the field. People back to their lives.
of patients return to their previous activity level following our protocol.
discharge for the vast majority of cases — no overnight hospital stay.
typical return-to-sport window — based on objective testing, not just calendar.
Patient process
From first call to final return-to-sport.
1. First consultation
We listen to your story, examine your knee and review your imaging in detail.
2. Personalized plan
We explain your diagnosis, options and expected outcomes — clearly and without rushing.
3. Surgery at Centro Médico ABC
Performed at Mexico's leading private hospital, with world-class infrastructure.
4. Guided rehabilitation
We coordinate with elite physical therapists using our own ACL protocols.
5. Return to sport
Objective testing and final clearance to return to the activity you love.
Your knee deserves a true specialist.
Book a consultation with Dr. Iturbide and get a clear plan to return to the activity you love — without doubts and without losing more time.