Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction
Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) damage is one of the most common types of knee injuries. It makes up around 40% of all sports injuries, which can occur during sports such as skiing, football and rugby.
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What is it for?
For the reconstruction of torn or ruptured ACL
Treatment overview
If the ACL has been ruptured or torn, it can be reconstructed by replacing the ligament with a graft. This will prevent the knee from giving way.
Reconstruction remains gold standard for the treatment of ACL injuries.
The London Clinic also offers high-tech imaging, together with Orthopaedic Consultant Surgeons, and Physiotherapists that are leaders in their field.
They will share their in-depth knowledge and offer the latest knee ligament reconstruction technology.
Surgery for ACL reconstruction is done under general anaesthetic so you are asleep during surgery.
The procedure can take between an hour and an hour and a half and you may spend the night at The London Clinic.
This is an arthroscopic surgery (Keyhole) that means only small incisions will be made.
Your surgeon will make an incision on the front and sides of your knee, before using special surgical instruments to replace the torn ACL with a suitable graft (taken from the patient or a tissue donor).
The top and bottom ends of the replacement ligament are secured with screws or anchors into tunnels drilled in the bone.
Treatment recovery
Recovery from ACL reconstruction surgery takes around six to seven months. But it can take up to a year before you are able to return to training or sport.
Physiotherapy
During ACL repair, our physiotherapy team is integral to helping you return to your normal level of function and physical activities.
Patients are usually advised a personalised pathway by one of our chartered physiotherapists.
This may include pre-surgery rehabilitation, exercises, aquatic therapy, exercises on a stationary bike and assessment of muscle strength on our Biodex Isokinetic Machine.
Multi-disciplinary specialists at The London Clinic
Patient care is delivered and supported by multi-disciplinary expert teams. These may include consultant surgeons, nursing staff and physiotherapists.
Who would benefit from ACL reconstruction?
Reconstruction benefits most people expecting to return to athletic activities in sports such as rugby, tennis and football.
Also recommended for patients whose knee has more than only ACL damage, and if the injury causes pain or affects everyday activities.
The main advantages are that the knees should no longer give way, mobility is restored and your knee will feel stable.
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