At Artemis Hospitals, we provide treatment for injuries such as ACL and PCL injuries, meniscus tears, ligament sprains, cartilage damage, and other orthopedic trauma. Our comprehensive ACL ligament treatment and advanced ACL reconstruction surgery help patients get back to their normal life.
To recognize if it is an ACL tear, look for signs like swelling and pain. It most often occurs when the patient gets direct blows to the knee or twists/turns it violently (e.g., landing awkwardly). This is a sport injury, and most patients are active people who take part in sports or daily strenuous exercises.
Procedure At a Glance
Aspect | Details |
Anaesthesia | General or spinal anaesthesia |
Technique | Minimally invasive |
Graft Selection | Autograft or Allograft |
Procedure Time | 1–2 hours |
Hospital Stay | Same-day discharge |
What is ACL Surgery?
ACL surgery is a procedure done to treat a tear in the Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL), one of the key ligaments that keeps your knee stable while walking, running, or changing direction. When this ligament is torn, often during sports or sudden movements, the knee can feel weak, unstable, or give way.
During the surgery, doctors don’t usually stitch the torn ligament back together. Instead, they replace it with a strong piece of tendon (called a graft), which can be taken from your own body or from a donor. This new ligament is carefully placed inside the knee using minimally invasive (keyhole) techniques.
The goal of ACL surgery is to restore stability to the knee, reduce pain, and help you safely return to your normal daily activities or sports over time.
Why is ACL Surgery Performed?
ACL surgery is recommended when a tear in the ligament leads to knee instability, pain, or difficulty in performing daily activities like walking, climbing stairs, or playing sports. The ACL plays a crucial role in keeping the knee steady, and when it is damaged, the joint can feel loose or give way.
If left untreated, an ACL injury can significantly affect your quality of life. Ongoing instability may lead to repeated knee injuries, difficulty staying active, and a constant fear of movement. Over time, this can also cause additional damage to the knee, such as meniscus tears or cartilage wear, increasing the risk of chronic pain and early arthritis.
ACL surgery helps restore stability, protects the knee from further damage, and allows you to return to a more active, pain-free lifestyle.
What are the Types of ACL Surgery?
ACL surgery is not a one-size-fits-all procedure. The type of surgery recommended depends on factors like the severity of the injury, timing of treatment, and whether it’s a first-time or repeat injury. Your doctor will choose the most suitable approach to restore knee stability and function.
Type of Surgery | What It Involves | When It’s Recommended |
ACL Reconstruction Surgery | Replacing the torn ACL with a tendon graft (from your body or a donor) | Most common; for complete or severe ACL tears |
ACL Repair Surgery | Reattaching and stitching the torn ACL back to the bone | In select cases where the tear is recent and tissue is healthy |
Revision ACL Surgery | Re-doing a previous ACL surgery that has failed or re-injured | When a prior ACL reconstruction has not healed properly |
Which Conditions are Treated with ACL Surgery?
ACL surgery is commonly recommended for conditions where the knee loses stability due to ligament damage. It is especially advised when the injury affects daily movement, causes repeated discomfort, or increases the risk of further joint damage. Doctors usually suggest surgery when non-surgical treatments like rest and physiotherapy are not enough to restore normal knee function.
Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) Tear
An ACL tear is the most common reason for this surgery and often occurs during activities that involve sudden twisting, jumping, or quick direction changes—like in sports such as football or basketball. People usually feel a “pop” at the time of injury, followed by swelling, pain, and difficulty in bearing weight. Over time, even if the pain reduces, the knee may remain unstable, making it hard to return to normal activities without proper treatment.
Knee Instability
Knee instability is a condition where the knee feels loose or tends to give way while walking, standing, or turning. This often develops after an untreated or partially healed ACL injury. Initially, it may be noticed only during strenuous activities, but gradually it can start affecting simple daily movements. If not addressed, repeated episodes of instability can lead to further damage inside the knee joint and long-term discomfort.
Sports-Related Knee Injuries
High-impact or fast-paced sports can put significant stress on the knee, leading to ligament injuries, including ACL tears. These injuries can occur due to sudden stops, awkward landings, or direct impact during play. Pain is usually immediate and intense, often accompanied by swelling and restricted movement. Without proper treatment, athletes may struggle to regain their previous performance level and remain at risk of repeated injuries.
Ligament Damage Due to Trauma or Accidents
ACL injuries can also result from road accidents, falls, or any strong impact to the knee. In such cases, the damage may not be limited to the ACL alone and can involve other ligaments or structures within the knee. Pain can range from moderate to severe, with swelling and difficulty in moving the joint. If left untreated, this type of injury can worsen over time, leading to chronic pain, reduced mobility, and long-term joint problems.
What Surgical Approaches are Used for ACL Surgery?
When an ACL tear causes ongoing instability, pain, or limits your daily activities despite rest and physiotherapy, surgery often becomes the most effective solution. Modern techniques focus on precision, faster recovery, and minimal tissue damage, helping patients return to normal life safely.
Arthroscopic ACL Surgery
This is the most commonly used approach for ACL treatment. It is performed under general or spinal anaesthesia. The surgeon makes a few small incisions (keyhole cuts) around the knee and inserts a tiny camera (arthroscope) to view the joint on a screen. Special instruments are then used to remove the torn ligament and place the new graft accurately. The procedure usually takes about 1–2 hours. Arthroscopic surgery is highly precise, causes less pain, and allows quicker recovery. In advanced setups, surgeons may also use computer-assisted or navigation-based techniques to improve accuracy.
Open ACL Surgery (in rare cases)
Open surgery is rarely performed today and is usually reserved for complex or multiple ligament injuries. It involves a larger incision to directly access the knee joint. This procedure is typically done under general anaesthesia and may take longer than arthroscopic surgery, depending on the complexity. Since it is more invasive, recovery time is also longer, and there may be more post-operative discomfort. It is generally considered only when minimally invasive options are not suitable.
Minimally Invasive ACL Reconstruction
This is a refined version of arthroscopic surgery that focuses on causing the least possible damage to surrounding tissues. It uses very small incisions, advanced instruments, and precise techniques to reconstruct the ACL with a graft. Anaesthesia is usually general or spinal, and the procedure time is similar, around 1–2 hours. We at Artemis also offer robotic-assisted or computer-guided systems to enhance graft placement accuracy. This approach helps reduce pain, scarring, and speeds up rehabilitation, making it a preferred option for many patients today.
When Should You See an Orthopaedist for ACL Surgery?
If a patient had a knee injury followed by pain, swelling, or a feeling that the knee is “giving way,” it’s important to get it checked early. Many people don’t realise it’s an ACL tear at first and may ignore the symptoms, which can lead to further damage over time.
For suspected ACL injuries, the right specialist is an orthopaedic doctor, particularly one who focuses on sports injuries or knee conditions. These doctors are trained to assess ligament damage, recommend the right tests (like MRI), and guide you on whether surgery is needed or not.
If the patients only notice general knee pain, swelling, stiffness, or difficulty walking after an injury, they can start by consulting a general physician or an orthopaedic specialist. They will examine the knee, understand how the injury happened, and refer for further evaluation if required.
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How Should You Prepare for ACL Surgery?
Proper preparation can help ensure a smoother surgery and faster recovery. Knowing what to do in the days leading up to the procedure and on the day of surgery can also reduce anxiety and help the patient feel more confident.
Before Surgery
- Follow the doctor’s advice on medications
- Get all recommended tests done (blood tests, imaging, etc.)
- Start light exercises or physiotherapy. if advised
- Maintain a healthy diet and stay well-hydrated
- Avoid smoking or alcohol
- Plan your recovery at home (arrange support, keep essentials within reach)
On the Day of Surgery
- Do not eat or drink for the recommended hours before surgery
- Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothes
- Carry all medical records and reports
- Reach the hospital on time for admission and pre-surgery preparation
How Is ACL Surgery Performed?
Understanding the step-by-step process of ACL surgery can help ease concerns and give patients a clear idea of what to expect during the procedure. It is a well-planned and precise surgery performed by experienced orthopaedic surgeons.
- Anaesthesia is given (general or spinal) to the patient
- Small incisions are made around the knee to insert a camera (arthroscope)
- The surgeon examines the inside of the knee to assess the extent of damage
- The torn ACL is removed or prepared for reconstruction
- A graft (from your own body or a donor) is selected and prepared
- Tunnels are carefully created in the thigh bone and shin bone to place the new ligament
- The graft is positioned and secured using special fixation devices
- The knee is tested for stability and proper movement
- Incisions are closed with stitches or surgical tape, and a dressing is applied
The procedure typically takes around 1 to 2 hours, depending on the complexity of the injury.
What to Expect After ACL Surgery?
Once the anaesthesia wears off, you may feel mild pain or discomfort in the knee, which is completely normal and managed with prescribed medications. In many cases, patients are discharged the same day or within 24 hours, depending on their condition. The patient is advised to use a knee brace or crutches for support initially.
Swelling and stiffness can be present for a few days, but these gradually improve with rest, medication, and proper care. Physiotherapy usually begins early and plays a key role in regaining strength, flexibility, and movement in the knee.
Recovery after ACL surgery is gradual. While you may return to light daily activities within a few weeks, full recovery, especially for sports or high-impact activities, can take several months.
What are the Advantages of ACL Surgery?
ACL surgery benefits patients in many ways. Before the surgery, most patients manage the pain using medication, which is not the ideal way in the long run. By undergoing ACL surgery, they can get the following advantages.
- Restores knee stability
- Enables return to sports
- Minimally invasive technique
- Smaller scars
- Faster rehabilitation
- Prevents joint degeneration
- High success rates in athletes
What are the Risks and Complications of ACL Surgery?
While ACL surgery is generally safe and has a high success rate, like any surgical procedure, it does carry some risks and potential complications. If the patient is unsure about going ahead with the surgery or want to understand the possible concerns, here are some complications that may occur in rare cases:
- Infection at the surgical site
- Blood clots (deep vein thrombosis)
- Knee stiffness or reduced range of motion
- Graft failure or re-tear of the ligament
- Persistent pain or swelling
- Numbness around the knee area
- Delayed healing or recovery
Most of these risks are uncommon and can be effectively managed with proper medical care and follow-up.
Suffered a knee injury or ligament tear?Get precise diagnosis and minimally invasive ACL surgery in Gurgaon.
What are the Recovery Tips After ACL Surgery?
Recovery after ACL surgery is usually smooth, but following the right routine can make a big difference in how quickly and safely you heal. Here are some practical, easy-to-follow tips:
- Cold packs: Use ice packs 15–20 mins, 3–4 times a day in the first 1–2 weeks to reduce swelling
- Heat packs: Avoid early on; can be used later (after swelling reduces) for stiffness, if advised
- Walking: Start with support (crutches) within a few days; gradual weight-bearing as per doctor’s advice
- Knee support: Wear a brace if recommended to protect the joint
- Physiotherapy: Begin early and follow regularly—it’s key for recovery
- Office work: Desk jobs can usually be resumed in 2–3 weeks (depending on comfort)
- Driving: Typically after 3–6 weeks (once you regain control and strength)
- Activity level: Avoid running, jumping, or sports for a few months
- Elevation: Keep your leg raised when resting to reduce swelling
- Medication: Take prescribed medicines on time for pain and healing
Why Choose Artemis Hospital for ACL Surgery Near You?
Located in Gurugram, Artemis Hospitals is easily accessible for patients, making it a convenient choice for those seeking advanced orthopaedic care without long travel. The hospital is well-connected to major parts of Delhi and even close to the airport, which adds to its accessibility for both local and outstation patients.
As a leading multispeciality hospital, Artemis is equipped with state-of-the-art diagnostic and surgical technologies, including high-end imaging systems, advanced arthroscopic equipment, and computer-assisted or navigation-based surgical techniques that enhance precision in procedures like ACL reconstruction. The hospital focuses on minimally invasive (keyhole) surgeries, which means smaller incisions, less pain, and faster recovery for patients.
What truly strengthens ACL treatment here is its comprehensive, team-based approach, from accurate diagnosis to surgery and post-operative rehabilitation. Patients benefit from coordinated care across multiple departments, including:
With experienced orthopaedic surgeons, modern operation theaters, and structured rehabilitation programs, Artemis Hospitals offers a complete ecosystem for safe surgery and smooth recovery, making it a trusted choice for ACL treatment in the Delhi NCR region.
Book a Consultation for ACL Surgery
To book a consultation with the experts at Artemis Hospitals, you can call +91 98004 00498 and get guidance on the right treatment and next steps for your condition. Patients who have done the diagnostic test and other consultations can also take a second opinion from our experts and see the surgical plan for their injury.
Article by Dr. Dheeraj Batheja
Senior Consultant - Ortho Spine Surgery
Artemis Hospitals
