Should I have an ACL reconstruction?

I have a torn ACL and a bakers cyst now as a result. The orthopedic surgeon has recommended surgery to reconstruct the ACL. My boss, who is a doctor himself, has said I should NOT have surgery done. I am 45 yrs old and am pretty active and have now been in pain every day since the original injury in August. Has any one else had a torn ACL and not had surgery and if so how did that go? and any one have surgery for this problem???

if ur leg doesnt give away then u dont need the surgery. and to conpnsate the action of ACL all u need is strengthing ur hamstring muscle, hamstring muscle normalu 60% of quadrecips strength. thats what makes leg give away when acl is torn, just do the right exercise to increase hamstring muscle strengh and u ll be just fine
physical therapist, and i have deal with prob like yours.

I think you should have it done...you are only 45 and if you are active i really think you should have it. It takes any where from 3 to 6 weeks to recover but it is well worth it as long as you have a reliable doctor! I had it done and would do it again if i had to!

Get it done.. it helps more than it hurts!

If you are not a professional athletic , i will advice you not to do the operation .
the pain you have is usually due to the associated injuries to the ACL e.g menescal or chondral lesions that occur in the surface of the joint and their arthritis sequels(e.g Baker,s cyst).
I have many patients doing quite well with completely torn ACL that is not operated .
So you need a reassessment by a specialist in sport injuries , preferably with knee sub-specialty .