Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction
ACL reconstruction is keyhole surgery to replace a torn anterior cruciate ligament with a graft. The aim is to restore stability and help you return to everyday movement and, where appropriate, sport with confidence.
Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction overview
The anterior cruciate ligament is one of the main ligaments that keeps your knee stable. During ACL reconstruction, the damaged ligament is replaced with a graft, usually taken from a tendon elsewhere in your body. Donated tissue may be considered in some circumstances. Not every ACL injury needs surgery. Your consultant will talk through your symptoms, activity goals and response to physiotherapy before helping you decide whether reconstruction is right for you.
How is surgery carried out?
ACL reconstruction is usually carried out using arthroscopy, a type of keyhole surgery. A small camera allows the surgeon to examine the knee, check for other damage and guide the procedure.
The torn ligament is removed and the graft is positioned where the ACL was. It is secured to the thigh bone and shin bone using screws or other fixation devices. The surgeon then checks the movement and stability of the knee before closing the small incisions.
Are there any risks?
Most people do not experience a serious complication, but every operation carries risks. Your consultant will explain how these apply to you. Possible complications include:
- infection
- a blood clot in the leg, known as deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
- damage to a nerve, blood vessel or other tissue
- ongoing pain, swelling or stiffness
- continued instability or restricted movement
- pain or weakness where the graft was taken
- the graft stretching or tearing, which may require further surgery
Recovery from ACL reconstruction
Early recovery: restoring movement
During the first six to eight weeks, the usual goals are to reduce pain and swelling, fully straighten the knee, improve bending and walk without a limp. You will also begin rebuilding strength and balance under the guidance of your physiotherapist.
Building strength and returning to running
At around three to four months, some people may be ready to begin a carefully controlled return to jogging. This should only start when your knee is settled and you have regained enough strength, control and confidence.
Returning to sport
Returning to sport is based on your progress rather than time alone. Your care team will assess your strength, agility, coordination, landing control and confidence before advising that it is safe. For some sports, this can take nine to twelve months or longer.
Our Experts - Leaders in Soft Tissue and Sports Knee Treatments
Dedicated to restoring your mobility through advanced surgical care, tailored rehabilitation programmes, and compassionate, evidence-based patient support.
Mr Andrew Davies
Knee: Soft Tissue and Sports Injuries, Knee Replacement
London, Wimbledon
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Mr. Giles Heilpern
Knee Replacement, Knee: Soft Tissue and Sports Injuries
London, Wimbledon
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Mr Oliver Templeton-Ward
Knee: Soft Tissue and Sports Injuries, Knee Replacement
London, Wimbledon
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Mr Jonathon Lavelle
Knee: Soft Tissue and Sports Injuries, Knee Replacement
London, Wimbledon
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How to pay
We offer flexible options depending on how you choose to access care at Fortius. Whichever option you choose, we’ll help make the process clear and straightforward from the start.
Private medical insurance
If your care is covered by private medical insurance, we’ll usually invoice your insurer directly. Please check your policy in advance and request an authorisation code if your insurer requires one. You’ll be responsible for paying any policy excess or costs that aren’t covered by your insurance.
Paying for yourself
You don’t need private medical insurance to access care at Fortius. If you’re paying for your own treatment, our team will explain the costs clearly and provide a personalised quote before you decide whether to go ahead.
Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction FAQs
Do not drive until you can control the vehicle safely, including performing an emergency stop, and you are no longer affected by pain or medication. Ask your surgeon for advice and check that your motor insurer is satisfied you are covered.
This depends on your recovery and the demands of your role. People with desk-based jobs may be able to return sooner than those whose work involves lifting, kneeling or prolonged standing. Your consultant or physiotherapist will give you personalised guidance.
Your return will be planned around your sport, strength and movement tests, and confidence in the knee. It can take up to a year to return to pivoting or contact sport. Follow your rehabilitation plan and do not progress before your physiotherapist advises you to.
Find a clinic near you
Fortius Clinic London
Our 79,000 sq ft, seven-story, private hospital on Wigmore Street has 39 en-suite inpatient rooms, consultation and treatment rooms, and a physiotherapy suite.
The hospital has a high-spec imaging suite fully equipped with an MRI, CT scanner and X-ray machine. There are three state-of-the-art operating theatres, two anaesthetic rooms and a recovery bay.
Fortius Clinic London has two Mako robots for hip and knee joint replacements.
- 66 Wigmore Street W1U 2SB
- 0203 195 2442
- Outpatient times are Monday to Friday from 8.00am to 8.00pm.
- Sports & Exercise Medicine
- Snow Injuries Clinic
- Tendon Clinic
- MRI Scan
- Ultrasound
- X-Ray
- Physician services
- Rheumatology
- CT Scan
- Image guided injections
- Physiotherapy
- MAKO Robotic Joint Replacement
Fortius Clinic Wimbledon
Our Wimbledon clinic houses a state-of-the-art imaging centre with a 3T MRI and X-ray scanners, Ultrasound, seven consulting rooms, two spacious waiting areas and well equipped treatment rooms all located on one level, ensuring easy accessibility for all patients.
Our partnership with Spire St Anthony’s Hospital allows us to provide orthopaedic surgery closer to our clinic. We treat a full range of conditions and perform joint replacement surgery using the latest Mako robotic assisted technology.
The building at 22 Worple Road has steps leading up to the front entrance. If you require assistance please inform us before your arrival by calling ahead on 020 3195 2442
- 22 Worple Road SW19 4DD
- 0203 195 2442
- Outpatient times are Monday to Friday from 8.00am to 8.00pm.
- Snow Injuries Clinic
- MRI Scan
- Ultrasound
- X-Ray
Fortius Clinic Marylebone
Our Marylebone Clinic is conveniently located in the historic area between Baker Street and Marylebone High Street, just off Manchester Square, home to the iconic Wallace Collection. We have seven consulting rooms, private waiting areas on each floor, well equipped treatment rooms and diagnostic imaging.
- 17 Fitzhardinge StreetW1H 6EQ
- 020 3195 2442
- Outpatient times are Monday to Friday from 8.00am to 8.00pm.
- MRI Scan
- Ultrasound
- X-Ray
- Physician services
- Rheumatology
Fortius Clinic City
Our City Clinic is conveniently located between Bank and Monument stations, within the historic and financial heart of London. At our modern, two-floor facility we have nine consulting rooms, spacious waiting areas, well equipped treatment rooms and an imaging centre.
Explore our City Clinic with our virtual tour.
If you are travelling by Tube, our closest underground stations are Bank and Monument, exit 6 for King William Street.
Should you be travelling by car, the closest parking is a three minute drive away at NCP Car Park London Vintry Thames Exchange. If you are attending clinic on a weekday, please be aware that we are based in the congestion charge zone.
- 75 King William Street EC4N 7BE
- 0203 195 2442
- Outpatient times are Monday to Friday from 8.00am to 8.00pm.
- Snow Injuries Clinic
- Tendon Clinic
- Sports & Exercise Medicine
- MRI Scan
- Ultrasound
- X-Ray
- Physician services
- Rheumatology
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