Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) repair
Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) repair is an advanced treatment for knee ligament injuries that allows a quicker return to physical activity than a standard ACL reconstruction. We’re one of the first private hospitals in the UK to offer ACL repair.
Quick facts
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What is it for?
Early-stage anterior cruciate ligament injury
Treatment overview
Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) repair is a type of keyhole surgery to repair a torn ACL in your knee.
A consultant orthopaedic surgeon may recommend ACL repair if they’re confident your ligament can heal on its own without needing a full reconstruction.
ACL repair is an innovative procedure that allows a quicker recovery (usually three to four months) than a standard ACL reconstruction.
It’s also less invasive and less painful after surgery compared to reconstructive surgery.
At The London Clinic we have a team of world-class knee surgeons who are actively involved in advancing ACL surgery and knee treatment through surgical research and education.
They bring decades of experience and advanced expertise, making The London Clinic a leading facility in the treatment of orthopaedic knee conditions.
Why choose The London Clinic
Excellence in one place
We operate as teams of experts with world-class resources dedicated to maintaining the highest standards of medical care. You are surrounded by the latest treatments and advice with everything you need to get back to your best health.
Personal care, every time
Exceptional patient care is a way of life for us. Our nurses, clinicians and support teams are dedicated to the care of a very small number of patients, so have more time for you. They’ll be with you every step of the way, tailoring your care around you and giving the peace-of-mind that comes with knowing you’re in the best hands.
Effortlessly simple
We work together as one to guide you through each step of your experience, with complexities unravelled and answers readily to hand. Your personal treatment plan will be laid out for you, with all the details taken care of so you can focus on you.
What's included in your package?
Choosing The London Clinic means your treatment plan will be laid out for you, with all the details taken care of so you can focus on you.
Your treatment package will include:
- Enhanced pre-admission assessment
- Your treatment with our complete care team at your fingertips
- Personalised aftercare and follow-up
We want you to be in control of your health. That’s why we also offer optional services such as comprehensive recovery packages and extra touches for you to choose from during your stay with us.
How to pay
- You can use private medical insurance (PMI) to access this treatment. We work with all major PMI providers in the UK and many internationally
- You can pay for yourself (self-pay)
- If you’re paying for yourself, we have finance options available with Chrysalis
FAQs
The ACL is one of the four ligaments in your knee joint.
It stops your knee hyper-extending (over-straightening) and gives you stability when pivoting or twisting.
When the ACL is torn, your knee can feel painful, stiff and unstable. This can stop you from enjoying your normal everyday activities or taking part in the sport you love.
ACL repair works by reattaching the torn end of your ACL to the other end of the ligament or the bone it’s come loose from.
Your ACL repair will be carried out by one of the most experienced ACL surgeons in the UK and abroad, Mr Deepu Sethi, using the latest knee ligament repair technology.
As one of the few surgeons in the UK currently researching and carrying out ACL repair surgeries, you can be assured you’re in good hands.
The younger you are and the more recent the injury, the better your chances of success will be. It also depends on where the ligament is torn.
Your consultant may recommend reconstructive surgery instead where the ACL is removed and replaced by a completely new ligament-type structure.
The ACL can repair itself if it’s a minor to moderate injury with enough rest and a structured rehabilitation programme.
If your ACL injury isn't improving and stopping you from carrying on with your everyday activities, your consultant may suggest ACL surgery to improve your quality of life. Surgery can also protect your knee joint from further injury.
In ACL repair surgery the ligament’s natural blood and nerve supply are preserved, and no grafting is necessary.
This means there is less trauma from surgery and your body should be able to heal better than after an ACL reconstruction.
The benefits of ACL repair in contrast to ACL reconstruction are:
- Less pain and muscle weakness from surgery
- A shorter initial recovery period because your natural blood supply will remain in tact
- A more ‘natural’ feeling in the knee due to a preserved nerve supply
- A faster return to pivoting sports, such as football or skiing, due to quicker healing of your ligament
ACL repair surgery recovery is approximately three to four months, depending on your unique circumstances.
As part of your all-inclusive treatment package at The London Clinic, you’ll have access to a specialist physiotherapy team.
They will be there supporting your recovery and guiding your rehabilitation before, during and after your surgery and stay in hospital.
There are side effects and risks associated with any kind of surgical procedure.
Your consultant and care team will discuss the risks and make sure you are well informed about your surgery before you have it, so you can feel confident.
Some common side effects of this type of knee surgery (keyhole arthroscopy) are:
- Knee pain at the surgical incision sites and within the knee joint
- Numbness in the skin around the knee
- Knee muscle weakness
- Stiffness in the knee joint and muscles surrounding the knee
- Continued knee instability
With ACL repair surgery there’s a chance that the ligament doesn’t heal and the stability and pain in the knee doesn’t improve as expected.
If this happens, your consultant may recommend an ACL reconstruction.
Physiotherapy forms an integral part of your ACL surgery recovery. So much so that your surgeon will highlight that the success of your surgery relies on it.
Your physiotherapist will use specialised techniques such as acupuncture, electrotherapy and massage to support your recovery.
At The London Clinic we have the latest physiotherapy equipment, including a zero-gravity treadmill, an underwater treadmill and a dedicated hydrotherapy pool to help get you fit and strong again after your surgery.
Working closely with your consultant orthopaedic surgeon and the rest of your care team, your physiotherapist will help you through each stage of your recovery.
Before your ACL surgery, they'll assess you and advise a personalised rehabilitation pathway.
This may include a strengthening programme before your operation which will help prepare you for your recovery.
After your surgery, your physiotherapist will get you started on your rehabilitation programme in the ward and give you a home exercise programme to continue at home.
To complete your care, and ensure a smooth transition from hospital to home, any follow-up appointments will be discussed and booked before you are discharged.
Your physiotherapist is your partner on your recovery journey and the key to getting back to all the activities you love!