Love your notion that not all ACL sprains require surgery.  How long after injury would you wait before exploring surgical option? 

I had a dislocated patella and the doc said even though MRI indicated an old minor ACL sprain it  couldn't be bothering me now. He said the swelling and feelings of instability in the joint line are related to the soft tissue upset from the patella. He assured me all would be well in a couple months.    

Would you concur with that?

Thanks,

Suz