What are alternatives to acl surgery?

Yes there are: Depending on how active you are, there are other alternatives.... Obviously if you are very active, surgery to repair the injury is the first choice. Otherwise anti inflammatory medicine, omega 3 fish oils, glucosamine chondroitin, as well as physical therapy would be of upmost importance. I always instruct patients to utilize the most conservative options first.

Rehab & bracing: Not all ACL injuries require surgical intervention, but most do. Most activities of daily living can be performed without a functioning acl. Cutting, pivoting and changing direction are difficult or outright impossible for most patients without an acl. One can alter their activities avoiding those that cause knee instability, try bracing and definitely try rehabilitation in effort to avoid surgery.