ACL & Knee Surgeon Near You in New York & New Jersey

Looking for an ACL or knee surgeon near you? At Empire Minimally Invasive Spine and Pain, our board-certified orthopedic and sports medicine surgeons diagnose and repair knee injuries across our New York and New Jersey offices — using minimally invasive, arthroscopic techniques whenever possible so you recover faster and get back to the activities you love.

Medically reviewed by Dr. Jeffrey Guttman, M.D. — Board-certified orthopedic surgeon, sports medicine & arthroscopy · Last reviewed August 2026 · Empire Minimally Invasive Spine & Pain

When a knee injury needs a surgeon

Not every knee injury needs an operation — but some do. A knee surgeon’s job is to tell the difference: to confirm exactly what’s torn or damaged and decide whether surgery will actually help. A knee that locks, gives way, or stays swollen, or a ligament tear in an active person, often points toward a surgical repair. Using a careful exam and MRI, our surgeons pinpoint the injury and recommend the least invasive path that restores a stable, functional knee. If you’re still in the diagnosis stage, our knee pain doctor page walks through non-surgical care first.

Knee injuries & procedures we handle

• ACL reconstruction for torn ACLs
• MCL, PCL, and multi-ligament injuries
• Meniscus tears — repair or trimming via knee arthroscopy
• Cartilage damage and loose bodies
• Kneecap (patellar) instability and dislocations
• Sports, ski, and work-injury knee trauma

Wondering whether your tear actually needs surgery? Read whether a torn ACL needs surgery and whether a meniscus tear needs surgery — both explain who’s a candidate and who isn’t.

Minimally invasive, sports-focused repair

Most knee procedures at Empire are done arthroscopically — through small incisions with a camera and fine instruments — which typically means less tissue disruption and a quicker return to activity than open surgery. For ligament reconstruction we discuss graft options and build a recovery plan around your goals, whether that’s daily comfort or a full return to sport. You’ll know what to expect week by week before you ever schedule, including a realistic ACL recovery timeline. In the right candidate, regenerative options such as PRP may also play a role alongside or instead of surgery.

Find a knee surgeon near you

With offices across New York and New Jersey, there’s an Empire knee surgeon close to home:

• Plainview, NY (Nassau County) — 516-400-3333
• New Hyde Park, NY — 516-229-1443
• Ronkonkoma, NY (Suffolk County) — 516-229-1443
• Yonkers, NY (Westchester County) — 516-229-1443
• Clifton, NJ (Passaic County) — 732-630-7246
• Plainfield, NJ — 732-630-7246

Frequently asked questions

When do I need an ACL surgeon?

A torn ACL doesn’t always need surgery, but reconstruction is often recommended for younger and active people, athletes, or anyone whose knee feels unstable or gives way. A surgeon confirms the tear on exam and MRI and discusses whether reconstruction or non-surgical rehab fits your activity level and goals.

Is knee surgery done minimally invasively?

Most knee procedures — including ACL reconstruction and meniscus surgery — are done arthroscopically, through small incisions with a camera and fine instruments. That typically means less tissue disruption and a faster recovery than traditional open surgery.

How long is recovery after ACL surgery?

It varies, but many people walk with support within days and progress through structured rehab over several months, with return to sport typically around nine to twelve months depending on the individual and the sport. Your surgeon will give you a timeline based on your specific repair.

Will I definitely need surgery for a meniscus or ACL tear?

Not always. Some tears heal or settle with physical therapy and time, while others do better with repair. The right answer depends on the tear, your knee’s stability, and your activity goals — which is exactly what the evaluation determines.

Do you take insurance and treat sports or work injuries?

We accept most major insurance plans and verify coverage before your visit. We also treat sports injuries, work-injury, and motor-vehicle-accident knee cases and can help with the required documentation.