ACL Reconstruction.
Live life to the fullest.
The main reason for recommending an ACL reconstruction procedure, is to enable patients who lead an active lifestyle to regain knee strength and capability. Surgery is also recommended to avoid further damage to your knee, if it gives way or becomes unstable.
Surgery Time
2 hours
Hospital Stay
Day Case
Light Exercise
12 weeks
waiting list
2 weeks
What is an ACL Injury?
An ACL injury is a tear or sprain of the anterior cruciate (KROO-she-ate) ligament (ACL), which is one of the strong bands of tissue that help connect your thigh bone (femur) to your shinbone (tibia).
It runs diagonally through the inside of the knee and gives the knee joint stability. It also helps to control the back-and-forth movement of the lower leg.
One of the most common types of knee injuries, you can tear your ACL if your lower leg extends forwards too much. It can also be torn if your knee and lower leg are twisted. It typically occurs during sports that involve sudden stops or changes in direction, jumping and landing such as football, rugby, squash, hockey, tennis, gymnastics, and skiing.
When the ACL injury occurs, patients often hear a pop or feel a popping sensation in the knee. The knee may swell, feel unstable and become too painful to bear weight. This can make it difficult to perform certain movements, such as turning on the spot. Some sports may be impossible to play.
Depending on the severity of your ACL injury, treatment may include rest and rehabilitation exercises to help you regain strength and stability, or surgery to replace the torn ligament followed by rehabilitation.
Benefits of ACL Reconstruction Surgery
Faster Return to Sport and Activities
If you’re an athlete or someone who enjoys being active, ACL reconstruction surgery can help you get back to your favourite activities faster. While the recovery period can take several months, once you have fully healed, you’ll be able to resume many activities that you were not able to do with a torn ACL.
Improved Stability
One of the biggest benefits of ACL reconstruction is improved stability. When your ACL is torn, your knee becomes unstable and you may experience instability or weakness. ACL reconstruction surgery rebuilds the ligament using a graft, which restores stability to the knee joint. This can help prevent future injuries and improve your overall mobility.
Reduced Pain and Swelling
Many patients experience pain and swelling after ACL surgery, but this is typically temporary. In the long-term, ACL reconstruction can actually reduce pain and swelling in the knee. By restoring stability and function to the joint, you may experience less strain on surrounding muscles and less inflammation over time.
Reduced Risk of Future Knee Injuries
If you choose not to undergo ACL reconstruction, your knee will remain unstable and you’ll be at a higher risk of sustaining another ACL injury in the future. ACL reconstruction can mitigate this risk, making it far less likely that you’ll experience a repeat injury. In fact, many patients find that they’re actually stronger and more resilient after ACL reconstruction than they were before.
Efficacy
ACL surgery fully restores the functioning of the knee in more than 80% of cases. Whilst a notable improvement is reported by the overwhelming majority of patient, your knee may not be exactly like it was before the injury, and you may still experience a degree of pain and swelling.
Infection
Occurs in a small percentage of cases, but can often be treated with antibiotics. We will guide you through how to minimize risk of infection as part of your care plan.
Blood Clots
Can develop in the leg, veins, or lungs. Based on your medical history, preventative measures include blood-thinning medication, and movement guided by your physiotherapy plan.
osteoarthritis
People who experience an ACL injury have a higher risk of developing osteoarthritis in the knee. Arthritis may occur even if you have surgery to reconstruct the ligament.
Potential Risks
Like all surgical procedures, ACL reconstruction surgery comes with potential risks;
What Happens During the Procedure
The procedure is typically takes around two hours. Here's a simplified step-by-step breakdown:
- 1. You will be made comfortable using an appropriate anaesthesia.
- 2. Your surgeon will carefully examine the inside of your knee before removing the graft tissue, ready for relocation. The most commonly-used tissues are the patellar tendon and the hamstring tendons. Both have been found to be equally successful.
- 3. The graft tissue will be removed and cut to the correct size. It will then be positioned in the knee and fixed to the thigh bone (femur) and shin bone (tibia). This is usually carried out using a technique called knee arthroscopy.
- 4. The arthroscope will illuminate your knee joint and relay images of your knee to a television monitor allowing the surgeon to see the inside of your knee clearly. Additional small incisions will be made in your knee to enable the surgeon to remove the torn ligament and reconstruct your ACL. Your surgeon will make a tunnel in your bone to pass the new tissue through. The graft tissue will be positioned in the same place as the old ACL and held in place with screws or staples that will remain in your knee permanently.
- 5. After the graft tissue has been secured, your surgeon will test that it's strong enough to hold your knee together. They'll also check your knee has the full range of motion and that the graft keeps your knee stable when it's bent or moved. When the surgeon is satisfied everything is working properly, they'll stitch the incisions closed and apply dressings. After the procedure, you'll be moved to a private suite to begin your recovery.
Stages of Recovery
Immediate Treatment
Don’t wait to start your recovery. We offer direct access to specialised treatments for knee conditions, ensuring you receive prompt, efficient care. Our streamlined processes mean you can begin your recovery journey straight away, without the delays typically associated with healthcare.
Advanced Care
Access the latest in medical technology instantly. With options like advanced minimally invasive procedures available immediately, we ensure that your treatment begins quickly, reducing recovery time and improving outcomes.
Fully Informed
Our commitment extends beyond immediate treatment to ensuring you understand your health and care plan. Immediate educational support and ongoing guidance mean you’re not just treated quickly but also empowered to maintain and improve your health long-term.
Why Choose Mobility for Your ACL Surgery?
We understand the urgency of your needs, and we commit to providing direct access to advanced treatments without any waiting lists.
Your ACL Reconstruction Journey
At Mobility, we are dedicated to providing you with exceptional care from the moment you reach out to us. Expert orthopaedic surgeons and their support staff are committed to guiding you through every step of your treatment, ensuring a seamless and supportive experience.
Our knowledgeable and friendly patient coordinators are here to discuss our orthopaedic procedures, clarify pricing and finance options, and address any queries you may have.
You will first meet your GMC registered surgeon via a video call to discuss your procedure in greater detail, ensuring you have a thorough understanding of what to expect.
Once you arrive at one of our locations, you can settle in and relax before proceeding to the operating theatre for your surgery. Post-procedure, you'll return to the comfort of your private suite to begin your recovery with us by your side.
You'll attend post-operative appointments with a nurse who will monitor your healing progress closely. To make your recovery as convenient as possible, we've arranged for you to receive physiotherapy locally, eliminating the need to travel back to our specialist hospital.
FAQ's
Looking for more information on ACL reconstruction surgery? Explore our Frequently Asked Questions to gain insights into what to expect before, during, and after your hip replacement at Mobility.
Who is a good candidate for hip replacement surgery?
Candidates who have not seen satisfactory results from nonsurgical treatment methods. Individuals who experience daily struggles with their knee, such as having the joint give out during normal activities.
What steps can I take to ensure the best outcome from my reconstructed ACL?
Rehabilitation is the key to successful ACL surgery. Without rehabilitation, ACL surgery is likely to fail or re-injury is likely to occur. It is important that patients are fully aware of the requirement for intensive rehabilitation both before and after ACL surgery to ensure the best possible outcomes.
How much does ACL reconstruction surgery cost?
Our pricing structure is inclusive of all pre-operative, day-of-surgery, and post-operative costs, including physiotherapy. We regularly review our price point to ensure we remain competitive however, we will never compromise on your surgeons experience, the hospitals cutting-edge technology, or the
predictable and repeatable outcomes they deliver, together.
Your patient coordinator will be able to provide your all-inclusive cost for your location upon enquiry.
Where will my surgery take place?
Mobility care for patients, nationwide from select Centres of Clinical Excellence. Enquire now to speak with one of our coordinators who can discuss the best location for you.