Arthroscopic ACL Reconstruction

There is no fixed date. Recovery timelines vary, and return to sport is determined by the surgeon based on healing, strength and functional recovery rather than time alone. Rehabilitation progresses through pain and swelling management, early knee movement, progressive physiotherapy, muscle strengthening, balance and coordination training, functional rehabilitation, and sport-specific training when appropriate. Returning before the knee is genuinely ready is the main cause of re-injury.

A torn ACL generally cannot be stitched back together reliably. Instead, the torn ligament is removed and a new one is built in its place. Bone tunnels are created in the femur and tibia, a tendon graft is positioned to reconstruct the ACL, and the graft is secured using specialised fixation devices. Knee stability is checked before the procedure is completed.

Both options exist - the graft may be taken from your own tissue or from a donor. Graft selection is one of the specific decisions made during surgical planning, alongside identifying the type of ACL tear, any associated ligament or cartilage injuries, the surgical technique, the rehabilitation plan and your return-to-sport goals. Dr. Ansari will discuss which option suits your case at consultation.

Diagnosis begins with a comprehensive knee examination including ligament stability tests, range of motion assessment, swelling evaluation, meniscus examination, walking pattern analysis and functional knee assessment. Common clinical tests include the Lachman Test, Anterior Drawer Test and Pivot Shift Test. An MRI scan is the gold standard for confirming ACL injuries, supported by digital X-rays, a CT scan in selected cases and blood investigations before surgery.

Athletes participating in football, cricket, basketball, volleyball, skiing or badminton are at higher risk. The injury mechanism usually involves sudden twisting or pivoting movements, landing incorrectly after a jump, or direct impact to the knee. A previous ACL injury, weak lower limb muscles, poor neuromuscular control and high-impact sports activity all increase risk further.

Yes. Revision surgery for a failed previous ACL reconstruction is one of the situations where the procedure is recommended, alongside a complete ACL tear, knee instability after ACL injury, sports-related knee injuries, ligament injuries associated with meniscus tears, multi-ligament knee injuries and recurrent episodes of the knee giving way.