Published with the inputs from Dr Jyothiprasanth M, Chief & Senior Consultant, Orthopaedic And Arthroscopic Surgery, Baby Memorial Hospitals - Kannur
ACL Reconstruction is a surgical procedure to repair or replace a torn Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) — one of the key ligaments that stabilizes the knee joint. The surgery restores knee strength and function, helping patients return to sports, exercise, and daily activities safely after injury.
ACL Reconstruction is performed to restore stability to the knee after a ligament tear, often caused by sports injuries or sudden twisting movements. The damaged ligament is replaced with a graft — either from the patient’s own tissue or synthetic graft — to allow the knee to move normally again.
The procedure is recommended for people with a completely torn ACL who experience knee instability, especially athletes or active individuals. It’s also advised if the injury prevents normal activities such as running, pivoting, or climbing stairs, or if other knee structures are also injured.
The surgery is usually done arthroscopically (Keyhole Surgery), using small incisions and a camera for guidance. The surgeon removes the torn ligament and replaces it with a graft taken from the patient’s hamstring or patellar tendon (or from an ankle). The graft is fixed to the bone using screws or special devices to allow it to heal in place.
ACL Reconstruction helps restore knee stability, prevents further joint damage, and enables a safe return to sports or active lifestyles. It also reduces the risk of future meniscus injuries or early arthritis caused by knee instability.
As with any surgery, there are small risks such as infection, stiffness, graft failure, or blood clots. Some patients may also experience temporary numbness around the incision site. These risks are rare, and success rates are very high when performed by experienced orthopedic surgeons.
Most patients return home the same day or within 48 hours after surgery. Rehabilitation begins immediately with physiotherapy to restore motion and strength. Walking support is typically needed for a few weeks, and full recovery — including return to sports — may take around 6–9 months.
ACL Reconstruction has a success rate of over 90%, with most patients regaining full function and stability. Long-term outcomes are best when patients complete their rehabilitation program and maintain knee strength through regular exercise.
If you’ve suffered a knee injury or feel instability during movement, our orthopedic specialists at Baby Memorial Hospitals can help assess your condition and discuss whether ACL Reconstruction is right for you.
📞 Call us or book an Appointment Online to schedule your consultation.