The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) plays an important role in stabilising the knee joint, particularly for rotational movements. ACL tears most frequently occur during sports that involve sudden stops and starts with pivoting manoeuvres, such as soccer, netball and basketball. There is usually a clearly defined event where something pops, snaps or cracks. You may feel a sensation of your knee giving way, and it will begin to swell. This is your ACL ligament tearing. 

Most people that experience an ACL tear need reconstructive surgery as it cannot heal by itself. It is among the most common procedures in the world and has a high rate of success. Using tiny incisions to insert a camera and miniature tools, the torn ligament is replaced with a healthy tendon from another part of the knee such as the hamstring, patella tendon or quadriceps. This procedure restores stability and function to the knee joint with a return to high impact sport possible within a year.

What are the general recovery times?

The operation will take 1-2 hours but you are likely to stay in hospital overnight. The first few weeks after surgery are important in determining the long-term outcomes. Ice packs and elevation can be used to control the swelling with the focus on achieving a completely straight knee by the end of the first week. This will avoid the risk of a possible limp.

 Physiotherapy exercises will help to bend the knee and strengthen the surrounding muscles. A gradual return to walking with your full weight is an important aspect of maintaining the muscle tone. It can take up to 12 months to make a full recovery.

Familiarising yourself with your treatment program and understanding the recovery process are important steps to take on the pathway to surgery

Patient Journey – Knee Surgery