Surgery During Pregnancy: A Safe Option for Athletes with ACL Tears

For active women, a knee injury during pregnancy can present a tough dilemma. Traditionally, many surgeons advised delaying treatment until after childbirth. Still, advancements in medical understanding and surgical techniques are changing that approach, offering a safe path to recovery even during pregnancy.

A Ski Trip and a Torn Knee

Katharine Johnson, a 38-year-old digital marketer from Hoboken, New Jersey, experienced this firsthand in February 2025. While skiing in Japan during her sixth week of pregnancy, she suffered a knee injury. An initial X-ray suggested a tear, but a more detailed MRI upon her return home revealed a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and a torn medial meniscus. She faced the challenge of finding a surgeon willing to operate on a pregnant patient.

Hesitancy Among Surgeons

Johnson encountered several orthopedic surgeons who were unable or unwilling to perform the necessary surgery due to her pregnancy. Some facilities lacked the resources to operate on pregnant patients, while others’ anesthesia teams deemed the risks to the fetus too high. The prospect of being sidelined for over seven months was unacceptable for the avid runner, and skier.

NYU Langone and a Specialized Approach

Johnson eventually connected with Dr. Abigail L. Campbell at NYU Langone Health, director of the Center for Women’s Sports Medicine. Dr. Campbell, having successfully performed a similar surgery on a pregnant patient previously, was confident in addressing Johnson’s injury promptly. Research over the past decade has demonstrated that orthopedic procedures can be performed safely during pregnancy.

Minimizing Risks to Mother and Baby

Dr. Campbell collaborated with Dr. Justin Brandt, director of the Division of Maternal–Fetal Medicine, to ensure a safe surgical experience. NYU Langone has developed a rigorous safety protocol for procedures performed before 20 weeks of gestation. This includes using a spinal block to avoid general anesthesia, closely monitoring fetal heart rate, and encouraging early ambulation to reduce the risk of blood clots.

Successful Surgery and Recovery

Johnson underwent a successful three-hour surgery in May 2025. She began rehabilitation shortly after and was walking without crutches within six weeks. She was able to easily care for her son, Brody, after his birth in October 2025. She is now training for a 5K run.

The Importance of Early Intervention

Dr. Campbell emphasized the importance of addressing ACL tears promptly. Delaying surgery can lead to further damage to the knee, making a complete repair more difficult.

Looking Ahead

As research continues to support the safety of orthopedic surgeries during pregnancy, more surgeons are becoming comfortable offering these procedures to active women. This provides a valuable option for maintaining an active lifestyle throughout pregnancy and beyond.