ACL Surgery: Purpose, Risks, Treatment & Cost in India

Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) surgery is a vital medical procedure that involves reconstructing or replacing a damaged or torn ACL in the knee. Such injuries are prevalent among athletes, particularly those participating in sports like soccer, basketball, football, and gymnastics, which require frequent, abrupt knee movements.

What are the types of ACL injuries?

There are various reasons for the occurrence of ACL injuries. Some of these injuries include:

• Sudden jerking because of the shift in direction or speed
• Sudden halts or abrupt starts that cause jerks to the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL)
• Foot pivoting puts strain on the knee
• Accidents that directly hits the knee
• Hopping and landing in an inappropriate position

How is the ACL surgery done?

Before the ACL Surgery: Once the patient decides to undergo ACL surgery, the physician typically recommends starting physical therapy. This is primarily advised if the patient experiences swelling or pain in the knee, as a few weeks of physical therapy can help alleviate these symptoms.

Additionally, the physician may prescribe specific medications and impose dietary restrictions for the days or weeks leading up to the surgery, if necessary.

ACL Surgery Procedure:

The patient is administered general anesthesia to minimize pain before the surgery. During the procedure, the surgeon makes small incisions to remove the damaged ligament. The primary goal of the surgery is to replace the damaged ligament with graft tissue.

The surgeon then drills several sockets into the shinbone and thighbone to precisely position the graft. Once the graft is in place, it is secured with screws, and the incisions are sealed.

What are recovery and post-operative care after the surgery?

After the surgery, the patient is discharged from the hospital once the effects of the anesthesia have worn off. However, they will likely find it difficult to drive themselves home. If swelling or pain persists after the operation, the doctor may prescribe medication and recommend specific exercises to aid in recovery.

What are the risks and complications of the surgery?

Like other surgical treatments, ACL surgery carries risks such as infection, bleeding, blood clotting, and ineffective healing. Additionally, the patient may experience pain or stiffness in their knee muscles, and the graft placement may take longer to heal. There is also a risk of graft failure when patients resume their normal activities or engage in high-impact activities.

Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) Surgery cost in India are as follow