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ACL Reconstruction Surgery

ACL Reconstruction Surgery

Restoring Knee Stability and Mobility

The Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) is one of the key ligaments that stabilize the knee joint. It connects the thigh bone (femur) to the shinbone (tibia) and plays a vital role in enabling smooth, stable movement during activities such as running, jumping, and turning.

ACL injuries are common in sports and high-impact activities but can also occur due to accidents, sudden stops, or awkward landings. A torn ACL cannot heal on its own, and in many cases, ACL Reconstruction Surgery is recommended to restore knee function, prevent further injury, and enable a return to normal or athletic activity.

When is ACL Reconstruction Needed?

Surgery may be advised if:

  • There is a complete ACL tear.
  • The patient experiences repeated knee instability.
  • The injury is accompanied by damage to other ligaments or cartilage.
  • The patient wishes to return to sports or physically demanding work.
  • Conservative treatment fails to restore stability.
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Understanding ACL Reconstruction Surgery

Unlike some surgeries that repair the damaged ligament directly, ACL reconstruction involves replacing the torn ligament with a tissue graft. This graft acts as a scaffold for new ligament tissue to grow over time.

Types of Grafts Used:

  • Autograft: Tissue taken from the patient’s own body, usually from the patellar tendon, hamstring tendon, or quadriceps tendon.
  • Allograft: Donor tissue obtained from a tissue bank.
Surgical Procedure

ACL Reconstruction Surgery is most often carried out using arthroscopic (minimally invasive) techniques, which allow the surgeon to perform the operation through small incisions, reducing recovery time and minimizing scarring. The procedure is done under regional (spinal/epidural) or general anesthesia, ensuring the patient is comfortable and pain-free throughout.

  • Small Incisions: Tiny cuts are made around the knee to insert a camera (arthroscope) and surgical instruments.
  • Removal of Torn ACL: The damaged ligament is removed.
  • Graft Placement: The chosen graft is positioned through drilled tunnels in the femur and tibia.
  • Fixation: The graft is secured with screws or other fixation devices.
  • Closure: Incisions are closed, and a sterile dressing is applied.

The surgery generally takes 1–2 hours, depending on the complexity of the injury. In most cases, it is done as a day-care procedure, allowing patients to return home the same day.

Post-Operative Pathways

Recovery and rehabilitation are just as important as the surgery itself. The pathway typically includes:

  • Immediate Post-Op Care: Ice packs, elevation, and pain management to control swelling.
  • Physiotherapy Initiation: Gentle range-of-motion exercises within the first week.
  • Strength Training: Gradual progression to muscle strengthening and balance exercises.
  • Return to Activity: Most patients resume daily activities within 2–6 weeks, light sports in 4–6 months, and competitive sports in 9–12 months.

Some centers offer personalized rehab programs, sports-specific training, and remote physiotherapy guidance to optimize results.

Benefits of ACL Reconstruction Surgery
  • Restores knee stability and function
  • Prevents recurrent injury and damage to surrounding cartilage
  • Enables a safe return to sports and active lifestyle
  • Reduces the risk of early-onset arthritis in the knee
  • Improves overall quality of life
Patient Success Stories
  • A 25-year-old football player returned to competitive sports within 10 months after ACL reconstruction and dedicated physiotherapy, with full stability restored.
  • A 40-year-old recreational runner, once unable to jog due to knee instability, resumed marathon training a year after surgery.

These stories reflect the positive outcomes that expert surgery and committed rehabilitation can deliver.

Risks and Complications

While generally safe, ACL reconstruction carries some potential risks:

  • Infection
  • Graft failure or stretching
  • Knee stiffness
  • Blood clots
  • Nerve or blood vessel injury
  • Persistent instability

Choosing a highly experienced orthopedic surgeon and following a structured rehab plan significantly reduces these risks.

Unique Follow-Up Approaches

Some advanced orthopedic programs include:

  • Regular progress evaluations every few weeks during the first 6 months
  • Gait analysis and motion tracking to assess recovery speed
  • Customized sports readiness assessments before return-to-play clearance
  • Virtual consultations for ongoing guidance and motivation

Key Takeaway

ACL Reconstruction Surgery is a proven solution for restoring knee strength, stability, and mobility after ligament injury. With minimally invasive techniques, advanced graft options, structured post-op rehabilitation, and personalized follow-up care, patients can confidently return to their active lifestyles.

Early diagnosis, expert surgical intervention, and dedication to rehabilitation are the keys to achieving the best possible outcome.

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Best Doctors For ACL Reconstruction Surgery In The World View All Arrow

Dr Yash Gulati

Head of the Department, Joint Replacement, Sports & Spine Orthopedic Surgeon

CONSULTS AT

Indraprastha Apollo Hospital, Delhi

EXPEREIENCE :
38+ Years SURGERIES :
32500+

Book Free Appointment View Profile

Dr Yash Gulati

Head of the Department, Joint Replacement, Sports & Spine Orthopedic Surgeon

CONSULTS AT

Indraprastha Apollo Hospital, Delhi

EXPEREIENCE
38+ Years SURGERIES
32500+

Book Free Appointment

Dr. Dhananjay Gupta

Director of Orthopedics Department, Joint Replacement Surgeon

CONSULTS AT

Fortis Flt. Lt. Rajan Dhall Hospital, Vasant Kunj

EXPEREIENCE :
22+ Years SURGERIES :
19800+

Book Free Appointment View Profile

Dr. Dhananjay Gupta

Director of Orthopedics Department, Joint Replacement Surgeon

CONSULTS AT

Fortis Flt. Lt. Rajan Dhall Hospital, Vasant Kunj

EXPEREIENCE
22+ Years SURGERIES
19800+

Book Free Appointment

Dr. Harshavardhana Hegde

Director Orthopedics & Joint Replacement, Spine Surgery

CONSULTS AT

Max Hospital, Saket

EXPEREIENCE :
32+ Years SURGERIES :
21500+

Book Free Appointment View Profile

Dr. Harshavardhana Hegde

Director Orthopedics & Joint Replacement, Spine Surgery

CONSULTS AT

Max Hospital, Saket

EXPEREIENCE
32+ Years SURGERIES
21500+

Book Free Appointment

Dr. Manoj Miglani

Director Orthopedics Department, Joint Replacement and Spine Surgery

CONSULTS AT

Fortis Flt. Lt. Rajan Dhall Hospital, Vasant Kunj

EXPEREIENCE :
22+ Years SURGERIES :
17800+

Book Free Appointment View Profile

Dr. Manoj Miglani

Director Orthopedics Department, Joint Replacement and Spine Surgery

CONSULTS AT

Fortis Flt. Lt. Rajan Dhall Hospital, Vasant Kunj

EXPEREIENCE
22+ Years SURGERIES
17800+

Book Free Appointment
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Best Hospitals For Best Hospitals For ACL Reconstruction Surgery In The World View All Arrow

Artemis Hospital

Location Icon Sector 51, Gurugram, India

Artemis is the first JCI and NABH accredited multi-specialty hospital in Gurgaon.

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BLK-Max Super Speciality Hospital

Location Icon Rajendra Place, New Delhi, India

One of Asia's largest Bone Marrow Transplant center with 1500 healthcare providers

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Fortis Flt Lt Rajan Dhall Hospital

Location Icon Vasant Kunj, Delhi

NABH accredited hospital, NABL accredited LAB, NABH accredited blood bank, Green OT certification

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Fortis Hospital

Location Icon Noida, India

World class facility with over 200 beds and 7 operational theaters. Most trusted Kidney & Liver Transplant.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is ACL reconstruction surgery?

ACL reconstruction is a surgical procedure to replace a torn anterior cruciate ligament in the knee using a tissue graft. It helps restore stability, mobility, and strength to the knee joint.

2. Who needs ACL reconstruction surgery?

Surgery is usually recommended for people with a completely torn ACL, especially if they are athletes, physically active, or experience knee instability during daily activities.

3. How is ACL reconstruction performed?

It is typically done arthroscopically (minimally invasive). The surgeon removes the torn ligament and replaces it with a graft taken from the patient’s own tendon (autograft) or a donor (allograft).

4. How long does ACL surgery take?

The surgery usually takes 1–2 hours. Most patients go home the same day after the procedure.

5. What is the recovery time after ACL reconstruction?

Full recovery may take 6–9 months. Patients usually begin walking with support within a few days and gradually return to sports or strenuous activity after rehabilitation.

6. What are the risks of ACL reconstruction?

Possible risks include infection, stiffness, blood clots, graft failure, or knee pain. With modern techniques and skilled surgeons, complications are rare.

7. Will I need physiotherapy after ACL surgery?

Yes. A structured physiotherapy program is essential to restore flexibility, build muscle strength, and regain knee function after ACL reconstruction.

8. Can the ACL heal without surgery?

Partial ACL tears may heal with rest and physiotherapy. However, complete tears usually require surgery for proper stability, especially for active individuals.

9. When can I return to sports after ACL reconstruction?

Most patients return to sports between 6–12 months after surgery, depending on healing, rehab progress, and muscle strength recovery.

9.1. How successful is ACL reconstruction surgery?

ACL reconstruction has a high success rate of restoring knee stability and function. With proper rehab and lifestyle care, most patients return to their normal activity levels.