Orthopedics
ACL Reconstruction
A torn knee ligament is rebuilt using a graft, usually through keyhole surgery. Rehabilitation matters more than the operation itself.
A torn knee ligament is rebuilt using a graft, usually through keyhole surgery. Rehabilitation matters more than the operation itself.
At a glance
- In hospital
- 2 days
- Total stay
- 14 days
- Cost
- Quoted after clinical assessment
A torn anterior cruciate ligament is rebuilt with a graft, usually taken from your own hamstring or patellar tendon, through keyhole surgery. It is done for a knee that gives way more than for pain.
What the operation involves
About an hour, usually as a day case or one overnight stay, under general or spinal anaesthetic. The graft is passed through tunnels drilled in the bone and fixed at both ends. Meniscal tears are commonly repaired at the same time, which changes the rehabilitation.
Recovery and what to expect
This is a rehabilitation programme with an operation attached. Crutches for one to two weeks, straight-line running at around three months, and return to pivoting sport rarely before nine to twelve months. Going back early is the main cause of re-rupture.
What we arrange around it
A short stay of about two weeks, then a written rehabilitation programme to continue with a physiotherapist at home. We will help you find one before you fly.
This page is general information, not medical advice. Whether a procedure is right for you is a decision for a qualified clinician who has seen your reports.
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