✦ Sports Orthopaedics

ACL Reconstruction Surgery

Q: Can ACL tears heal without surgery?

Grade 1 and mild Grade 2 partial tears in low-demand individuals can often be managed with physiotherapy and bracing. Complete (Grade 3) tears in active patients typically require reconstruction to restore stability and protect the joint from secondary damage.

Q: What is ACL reconstruction surgery recovery time?

Return to sedentary work: 2–4 weeks. Return to sport: 6–9 months. Biological graft integration (ligamentisation) takes 12–18 months, which is why return-to-sport decisions are based on functional testing rather than time alone.

Q: What are ACL reconstruction surgery complications?

Graft failure, stiffness (arthrofibrosis), infection, nerve injury, and DVT are uncommon but recognised. Careful surgical technique and adherence to rehabilitation significantly reduce these risks.

Q: What is the difference between hamstring and patellar tendon graft?

Both provide excellent results. Patellar tendon graft has a bone-to-bone healing advantage; hamstring graft has a lower donor site morbidity. Dr. Satish will discuss the most appropriate option for your anatomy and activity demands.

Arthroscopic reconstruction of the torn anterior cruciate ligament using the patient's own tendon graft — restoring complete knee stability for a full return to sport and active life.

60–90 min PROCEDURE

Day-care/1 Day HOSPITAL STAY

>90% SUCCESS RATE

6–9 Months RETURN TO SPORT

What is ACL Reconstruction Surgery?

The ACL (Anterior Cruciate Ligament) is the primary stabiliser against rotational forces in the knee. A complete ACL tear causes instability — the knee gives way with pivoting, twisting, or cutting movements — and is one of the most common sports injuries worldwide. Without reconstruction, the unstable knee is prone to secondary meniscal and cartilage damage. ACL reconstruction surgery uses the patient's own tendon (hamstring, patellar tendon, or quadriceps tendon) as a biological graft to replace the torn ligament. The procedure is performed entirely arthroscopically — no large incisions — with same-day or next-day discharge and a structured return-to-sport rehabilitation programme.

Suitable for active patients of any age with a complete ACL tear causing knee instability, particularly those wishing to return to sport, pivoting activities, or physically demanding work. Grade 1–2 partial tears may be managed conservatively first.

How the Procedure Works

Graft Harvest

Hamstring, patellar tendon, or quadriceps tendon graft is harvested through a small additional incision — graft choice is discussed with each patient individually.

Arthroscopic Assessment

The knee is inspected; associated meniscal or cartilage injuries are addressed simultaneously.

Bone Tunnel Drilling

Anatomical bone tunnels are drilled in the femur and tibia at the exact native ACL footprint under arthroscopic and fluoroscopic guidance.

Graft Placement

The graft is passed through the tunnels and tensioned to replicate the biomechanics of the native ACL.

Fixation & Rehab

The graft is secured with screws, cortical buttons, or staples; structured physiotherapy begins day one and continues for 6–9 months.

Outcomes

60–90 minDURATION

Day-care/1 DayHOSPITAL STAY

>90%SUCCESS RATE

6–9 MonthsRETURN TO SPORT

Who Needs This Treatment?

→Full arthroscopic procedure — no large incisions, minimal scarring
→Uses the patient's own tissue — biological graft integrates permanently
→Associated meniscal and cartilage injuries addressed in the same sitting
→Structured rehabilitation protocol with clear return-to-sport milestones
→Return to sedentary work in 2–4 weeks; sport in 6–9 months
→Re-tear risk is low (<5%) with adherence to rehabilitation guidelines

"ACL reconstruction is not just a surgical procedure — the rehabilitation is equally important. We invest as much effort in the return-to-sport programme as in the surgery itself, because that is what determines the final outcome."

— Dr. Satish Reddy Gandavarapu, Senior Orthopaedic & Trauma Surgeon, Lux Hospitals, Hyderabad

Common Questions

Frequently Asked

Can ACL tears heal without surgery?+

What is ACL reconstruction surgery recovery time?+

What are ACL reconstruction surgery complications?+

What is the difference between hamstring and patellar tendon graft?+

Not sure which treatment is right for you?

Book a consultation with Dr. Satish Reddy and get a personalised treatment plan.

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