ACL Reconstruction: Knee Ligament Surgery

Overview

The ACL is one of the main ligaments that keeps the knee stable during twisting, pivoting and sudden direction changes. It is commonly injured during sports such as football, basketball or badminton, or during a fall or road accident.

A torn ACL does not heal on its own like some other ligaments. Depending on the patient's activity level, symptoms of instability and associated injuries, treatment may be physiotherapy-based or surgical reconstruction.

Who It Is For

• Young, active or sporting individuals with a confirmed ACL tear and instability
• Patients with the knee 'giving way' during daily or sporting activities
• ACL tear combined with meniscus or other ligament injury
• Patients who have failed conservative (non-surgical) management

Who May Not Be Suitable

• Older, low-demand patients who may be managed conservatively with physiotherapy
• Active infection or skin conditions around the knee
• Certain medical conditions requiring optimisation before surgery
• Final suitability is decided after clinical assessment and mri review.

Preparation

Before surgery, swelling is reduced and knee movement and quadriceps strength are optimised with 'prehabilitation' physiotherapy. Imaging and fitness tests are completed.

• MRI to confirm the tear and check for associated injuries
• Pre-operative physiotherapy to reduce swelling and improve strength
• Blood tests and anaesthesia fitness clearance
• Discussion of graft options and surgical plan

Procedure Steps

• Anaesthesia is administered and the knee is examined arthroscopically
• Associated injuries (meniscus, cartilage) are addressed if present
• A tendon graft is harvested or prepared
• Tunnels are drilled in the bone and the graft is passed and fixed to reconstruct the ligament
• Knee stability and movement are checked before closing the small incisions

Recovery

Recovery after ACL reconstruction is a gradual, structured process. Return to pivoting sports typically takes several months and is guided by physiotherapy milestones rather than a fixed calendar date alone.

• Early physiotherapy for swelling control, movement and gentle strengthening
• Progressive strengthening and balance training over subsequent months
• Sport-specific and agility training introduced later in rehabilitation
• Return to sport decided jointly by surgeon and physiotherapist based on strength and stability testing

Aftercare

• Follow the structured rehabilitation programme closely
• Use a knee brace if advised, especially in early recovery
• Avoid pivoting sports until cleared by your surgeon
• Attend scheduled follow-up visits

Risks / Possible Complications

• Infection
• Graft failure or re-tear
• Persistent knee stiffness
• Blood clots
• Residual instability in a minority of cases

Expected Outcomes

ACL reconstruction generally restores good knee stability for most patients who follow the full rehabilitation programme, though return to high-level pivoting sport varies by individual and is discussed on a case-by-case basis.

Cost Factors

Cost depends on the diagnosis, the tests required, the technology or implant chosen and the length of treatment or follow-up.

The clinic explains the full cost — tests, procedure and follow-up visits — before you agree to treatment. There are no hidden charges.

Insurance and cashless approval depend on your policy and the procedure; the front desk helps with the paperwork wherever a claim applies.

Call the clinic on 070303 11311 for current pricing and insurance details.

Why Choose Dr. Murkute's O2 Bone & Eye Care

• Evaluation by Dr. Vishal Murkute, Orthopaedic Surgeon fellowship-trained in arthroscopy and sports injuries
• Clear explanation of surgical versus conservative options
• Coordination with physiotherapy for structured rehabilitation
• Surgery at an associated hospital — Sahyadri Superspecialty Hospital (Yerawada), Manipal Hospital (Kharadi) or Medipoint Hospital (Chandannagar); the team confirms the exact venue at your consultation.
• Convenient Kharadi location for consultation and follow-up