Procedure guide · Orthopaedic surgery and sports medicine
ACL reconstruction replaces a torn anterior cruciate ligament in the knee with a graft, usually taken from the hamstring. The NHS explains that it is normally done by keyhole (arthroscopic) surgery and that you can often leave hospital the same day. Not every ACL injury needs surgery, and an orthopaedic surgeon decides whether yours does.
What is ACL reconstruction?
The anterior cruciate ligament helps keep the knee stable. When it tears the knee may give way, especially during turning or twisting. In reconstruction the surgeon uses an arthroscope, a thin tube with a camera, through small cuts to check the knee and look for other damage. A graft is placed where the torn ligament was and held with screws or staples, which stay in permanently.
The NHS says the graft is usually taken from your hamstring. The operation is done under a general anaesthetic or a spinal anaesthetic and normally takes one to three hours.
Who may need ACL reconstruction?
The NHS is clear that not all ACL injuries need surgery. Physiotherapy and lifestyle changes sometimes help enough. It says surgery is usually suggested when:
- physiotherapy and lifestyle changes have not helped
- you plan to keep doing a lot of sport or intense exercise
- you have a very physical job
- your knee often gives way
- other parts of the knee are also damaged
Your surgeon weighs these points with your age, activity goals and examination findings.
Which reports does a knee surgeon usually ask for?
Ask the hospital whether it needs:
- an MRI scan of the knee, with the images and the report
- knee X-rays
- a description of how the injury happened and when
- a note on how often the knee gives way
- details of any physiotherapy already done
- your general health history and medicine list
How do I plan an ACL reconstruction trip?
The NHS notes that most people leave hospital the same day. The surgery is short, but rehabilitation is long and matters a great deal. Plan for remote review, a plan and estimate, visas, arrival and checks, surgery and a period of early physiotherapy near the hospital before you fly. Your surgeon decides when travel is safe, including whether you need a brace or crutches on the plane.
Most of the rehabilitation happens at home. Ask the surgeon for a written rehabilitation programme with the stages and goals. Arrange a physiotherapist experienced in ACL rehabilitation before you leave. Bring someone to help you with luggage and transfers, since you may be on crutches for the journey.
What should I ask the hospital before booking?
- Does my knee need reconstruction or could physiotherapy be tried first?
- Which graft do you plan to use and why?
- Did the MRI show meniscus or cartilage damage that you will treat at the same time?
- Will I need a brace or crutches and for how long?
- Can you give me a written rehabilitation plan for my physiotherapist at home?
- When do you want to see me again, in person or by video?
Who decides
IndiaMedica does not give medical advice. Your treating specialist decides whether this procedure suits you, the treatment plan, how long you stay and when it is safe to fly.
Questions people ask
Can I have ACL surgery as a day case?
The NHS says you can usually leave hospital on the same day. International patients should still plan to stay near the hospital for a period of early review and physiotherapy before flying. Your surgeon decides when you are ready to travel.
Why does the surgeon ask about my sport and job?
Because these affect whether surgery is likely to help. The NHS lists plans for intense sport and a very physical job among the reasons surgery is suggested. Be honest about your goals so the surgeon can advise on surgery or physiotherapy.
Sources
General information, not medical or legal advice. Rules change: confirm with the official source. Your treating specialist decides on suitability, treatment and length of stay. How we write and check.