About Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction
Key Highlights
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Restores knee stability and function, allowing a return to sports and high-impact activities.Performed using minimally invasive arthroscopic techniques for smaller incisions and less tissue damage.Reduces the long-term risk of developing osteoarthritis and further meniscal injuries in the knee.Utilizes strong, biocompatible grafts (autograft or allograft) to create a new, durable ligament.Highly effective in preventing the knee from giving way during pivoting, cutting, or jumping movements.
Who is this surgery for?
- Complete tear (rupture) of the Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL).
- Knee instability or recurrent giving-way episodes that hinder daily activities or sports.
- Associated injuries such as meniscal tears or damage to other knee ligaments (multi-ligament injury).
- Active individuals, athletes, or laborers whose lifestyle or profession demands a stable knee.
- Failure of conservative treatments like physical therapy to control instability in a partially torn ACL.
How to prepare
- Complete a pre-operative medical evaluation, including blood tests and possibly an ECG.
- Undergo pre-operative physical therapy (pre-hab) to reduce swelling and improve knee range of motion and strength.
- Discuss and decide on the type of graft (autograft vs. allograft) with your orthopedic surgeon.
- Stop taking certain medications like blood thinners (aspirin, ibuprofen) as advised by your doctor.
- Arrange for post-surgery assistance at home and prepare your living space for limited mobility (e.g., clear walkways).
- Fast (no food or drink) for the period specified by your surgical team, typically after midnight before surgery.
Risks & possible complications
- Infection at the surgical site or within the knee joint.
- Bleeding, blood clots (deep vein thrombosis), or nerve/blood vessel damage.
- Graft failure, re-tear, or stretching, leading to persistent instability.
- Stiffness, loss of motion, or anterior knee pain (especially with patellar tendon grafts).
- Persistent swelling, complex regional pain syndrome, or hardware irritation from screws.
- Rare risks include anesthesia complications and the potential for developing arthritis later in life.
Recovery & hospital stay
- Immediate post-op: Focus on pain management, controlling swelling with ice and elevation, and using crutches.
- Early Phase (0-2 weeks): Begin gentle range-of-motion exercises and weight-bearing as tolerated, guided by a physical therapist.
- Rehabilitation Phase (2 weeks - 6 months): Progress through a structured PT program to restore strength, stability, and proprioception. Bracing may be used initially.
- Return to Activity (6-9 months+): Gradual return to running, sport-specific drills, and full-contact sports only after surgeon and therapist clearance, typically after 9-12 months.
- Long-term: Commitment to ongoing strength training and knee care is essential for maintaining stability and preventing re-injury.
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Typical hospital stay: 1-2 days
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Expected recovery time: 6-9 months for return to sports
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are considering anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction in India, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.
Popular choices for anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction in India include Kamineni Hospital LB Nagar, Kamineni Hospital, Tadigadapa, Miot Hospital Chennai, Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Kamineni Hospital, King Koti, known for experienced specialists and advanced surgical infrastructure.
Look at the doctor’s years of experience, hospital association, patient reviews, and how often they perform anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. MediFyr helps you compare orthopedists and book consultations online.
The overall cost depends on hospital category, surgeon’s experience, room type, implant or device used (if any), length of stay, tests, and post-operative care. Our team can help you get cost estimates from multiple hospitals before you decide.
Procedure cost in other countries
Here is an overview of how the estimated cost, hospital stay, and recovery time for anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction compare across other countries where we have data.
Top hospitals for Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction in India
These partner hospitals in India have dedicated orthopedics teams and experience managing patients undergoing anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction.
Vivaan Khan, a 28-year-old high school...
Vivaan Khan, a 28-year-old high school physical education teacher and weekend football coach, was playing in a local league match when he heard a loud 'pop' in his right knee after a sudden pivot. He felt immediate instability and intense pain, collapsing to the ground. Over the next few weeks, despite rest and physiotherapy, his knee would frequently 'give way' during simple activities like walking on uneven ground or descending stairs, making it impossible to demonstrate exercises for his students or coach effectively. His orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Sharma, explained that a full ACL tear was causing this instability and that without surgical reconstruction, he risked further meniscus damage and early-onset arthritis. Vivaan underwent an arthroscopic ACL reconstruction using a hamstring tendon autograft. The first two weeks were challenging, filled with significant pain, swelling, and frustration over his dependence on crutches. However, guided by a strict physiotherapy regimen, he slowly regained range of motion and strength. After six months of diligent rehab, he was cleared for light jogging and sport-specific drills. By nine months, he was back on the football field for light coaching duties. Emotionally, Vivaan struggled with a loss of identity tied to his athleticism and felt he was letting his students down. Post-recovery, he felt a profound sense of resilience and gratitude, becoming a more empathetic coach who now shares his journey of patience and perseverance with his students.
Orthopedists for Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction
Explore experienced orthopedists who regularly perform anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction and provide pre- and post-operative care in India.
- 9 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore
- 22 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
- 11 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
- 23 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Manipal Hospital Whitefield, Bangalore
- 16 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Manipal Hospital Whitefield, Bangalore
- 15 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Manipal Hospital Whitefield, Bangalore
- 9 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Manipal Hospital Whitefield, Bangalore
- 13 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Manipal Hospital Whitefield, Bangalore
- 36 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 17 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 50 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 20 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 21 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 30 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 13 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 16 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Manipal Hospital Patiala, Patiala
- 10 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Manipal Hospital Patiala, Patiala
- 8 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Manipal Hospital Patiala, Patiala
- 22 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Manipal Hospital Mysore, Mysore
- 19 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Manipal Hospital Mysore, Mysore