Orthopaedics
ACL Tear Treatment
An anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear is a common knee ligament injury, often from sports, treated with either structured rehabilitation or ACL reconstruction surgery depending on the severity of the tear and the patient's activity demands.
How It's Performed
ACL reconstruction is typically performed arthroscopically, using small incisions to replace the torn ligament with a graft — often taken from the patient's own tendon — to restore knee stability.
Conditions Treated
- — Partial or complete ACL tears
- — Knee instability following ligament injury
- — Sports-related knee injuries
- — Recurrent knee giving-way episodes
Benefits
- — Restored knee stability
- — Ability to return to sports and physical activity
- — Reduced risk of further joint damage from instability
Recovery
Recovery involves a structured physiotherapy programme over several months to regain strength, stability, and range of motion before a gradual, medically guided return to sport.
Is This Right For You?
Not every patient with partial or complete acl tears or a related condition needs acl tear treatment. Dr. Nirmal Patil, MS (Ortho) reviews your symptoms, clinical examination, and imaging to confirm whether this is the right approach for you, or whether conservative treatment is more appropriate.
Risks & Considerations
As with any surgical procedure, acl tear treatment carries risks, which can include infection, bleeding, and the possibility that symptoms do not fully resolve. These risks, along with the alternatives, are discussed in detail during consultation before any decision to proceed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do all ACL tears need surgery?
Not necessarily — treatment depends on the severity of the tear, the patient's activity level and goals, and the degree of knee instability. Some patients manage well with structured rehabilitation alone.
How is an ACL tear diagnosed?
Diagnosis is based on clinical examination and typically confirmed with MRI imaging, which shows the extent of ligament damage and any associated injuries.
How long does ACL reconstruction recovery take?
Recovery is gradual, typically spanning several months of structured physiotherapy before a supervised return to sport, depending on the individual and the specific procedure.
What graft is used for ACL reconstruction?
Grafts are commonly taken from the patient's own hamstring or patellar tendon; the choice depends on the patient's specific situation and the surgeon's assessment.
Can I re-tear my ACL after reconstruction?
Re-injury is possible, particularly if return to sport occurs before the knee has adequately healed and regained strength — following the recommended rehabilitation timeline reduces this risk.
Discuss your case with Dr. Nirmal Patil, MS (Ortho)
Every case is different. Book a consultation to review your symptoms and imaging.