I tore my ACL about 2 years ago now. I still have yet to go under the knife and I'm not sure when I will.
My choice was based on just not willing to take the time for rehab at that point in my life. Also my quality of life has changed very little. I can't confidently play volleyball and basketball, but I can still ride my bike and golf. I do feel it from time to time, especially when something I do requires a pivot, but stability wise its pretty good.
For those that said they were playing sports by 3-4 months, according to my surgeon at that point that is the worst thing you can do. Apparently the most re-injuries happen at the 3-4 month point.
By that time the muscles have regained much of their former strength, and your confidence and restlessness is at an all time high, so you feel like you are ready to go hit the ice, court or whatever. But the cells where the new ligament is fusing to the bone are at their weakest. So while strength wise you feel great, but if you fall, take a blow to the knee or plant awkwardly the chances of detaching or re-tearing the ligament are extremely high.
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