Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction

ACL reconstruction at The London Clinic 

Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is one of the most common types of knee injuries. It makes up around 40% of all sport injuries, which can occur during sports such as skiing, football and rugby.

The ACL is one of four important ligaments that stabilise the knee joint. In a healthy knee, it is especially important in providing stability during pivoting or rotatory movements. 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.

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.

Treatment facts 

Surgery for ACL reconstruction is done under general anaesthetic so you are asleep during surgery. Watch the procedure here. 

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.