How do I know if I need surgery again or just more physical therapy?

If you've completed a structured rehab program and still have real instability, ongoing pain or can't get back to your activity level, you're likely past the point where PT on its own is going to resolve it. Submitting your case is the fastest way to find out for sure.

What imaging should I send?

Your most recent MRI of the joint is the most important piece. Prior operative reports, recent X-rays or a CT scan help but aren't required to submit.

Do you handle conditions besides revision ACL and shoulder?

Yes. Dr. Rhodes is a fully board-certified orthopedic sports surgeon and treats standard knee, shoulder and other sports injuries. For routine cases, book directly through Baylor Scott & White.

Specialization

If your first surgery didn't fix it, you're in the right place.

Your surgery happened. Your symptoms didn't go away. Here's what's usually behind that, and what can be done about it.

When your knee still isn't right

Revision ACL surgery and complex knee cases.

About 1 in 10 ACL reconstructions don't fully hold. That doesn't mean your options have run out; it usually means there's a specific reason your first surgery didn't work, and a specific plan to address it.

Your ACL tore again: The graft from your first surgery gave way. In most cases this can be corrected in a single revision procedure, sometimes with a small reinforcement so it holds this time.
Your knee catches or won't fully straighten: Scar tissue can build up in the front of the joint after ACL surgery. Surgeons call this a cyclops lesion. It's usually cleaned up arthroscopically with a quick recovery.
The graft is there but the knee feels loose: Sometimes a graft stretches over time. In the right cases it can be reinforced without a full revision, which shortens the recovery meaningfully.
Pain that doesn't match the imaging: Cartilage damage that was missed or underestimated the first time is a common source of ongoing knee pain. Cartilage repair and restoration can address it.

When your shoulder still slips

Revision shoulder stabilization and complex shoulder cases.

If your shoulder still dislocates or feels unstable after a stabilization procedure, the reason is almost always something specific and fixable. Usually a structural issue that wasn't fully addressed the first time.

Your shoulder still dislocates after a repair: Most first-time stabilization repairs are designed for intact bone. When a repair fails, it usually means the socket had more bone loss than the first imaging showed.
You've lost bone in the socket: The socket edge can chip away with each dislocation. Bone-rebuilding procedures like a Latarjet or distal tibia graft restore the surface so the shoulder holds.
It keeps popping out and you can predict when: Every instability pattern is a little different. The right revision approach matches the specific way your shoulder gives way, not just the general diagnosis.
Pain, catching or grinding with the instability: Cartilage damage often shows up alongside recurrent instability. It can be addressed at the same time as stabilization so you only go through recovery once.

Patient resources

Support for your recovery.

A growing library of guides and tools from Dr. Rhodes and his care network to help you prepare, recover and make informed decisions. Everything here is educational only and not a substitute for an evaluation.

Guides & handouts

3 guides

Injury Prevention

PEP Program

A proven 15 to 20 minute warm-up shown to reduce ACL injuries by up to 88% in female athletes. Covers warm-up, stretching, strengthening, plyometrics and agility with coaching cues.

Download

Injury Prevention

FIFA 11+ & Neuromuscular Training

The FIFA 11+ 20-minute neuromuscular warm-up plus a full neuromuscular training guide covering balance, core, landing mechanics, deceleration and return-to-sport progression.

Download

Performance & Education

High School to College Sports

Stretching, mobility and injury-prevention guidance for athletes moving up to the college level, including what to do every day and when to see a medical professional.

Download