Best type of surgery?

There are pros and cons to each option, but the best option for you will depend mostly on what types of activities you plan to pursue when it's all said and done (and also the reconstruction method your doctor has the most experience with).

You mentioned that you run 2-4 times a week. Are you just jogging in a straight line? Or are you cross country running on unpredictable terrain? Or are you running around on a field catching frisbees? Or are you running around on a basketball court (cutting, pivoting, jump stopping, etc.)?

My advice for you is to ask around to find out what others have chosen and why. Nobody should be able to tell you, objectively, which graft option is the best. But with more discussion, you'll quickly learn how to make a decision based on your goals.

Most importantly, let your doctor know exactly what types of activities you want to pursue so they can make a recommendation. Be aware that different surgeons have their bread and butter method when it comes to ligament reconstructions. Your doctor may be capable of providing you any graft option, but I'm sure they have their preferred method that they've mastered throughout their career. So if you are certain that you want to harvest your patella tendon but your doctor mostly harvests hamstring tendons on a daily/weekly basis then you may or may not want to find another surgeon.

/r/ACL Thread