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.
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Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) repair
Also known as: ACL repair surgery
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What is it for?
Early-stage anterior cruciate ligament injury
Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) repair consultation at The London Clinic
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.
FAQs
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.
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.
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.
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!
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
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.
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.
Consultants
We offer Fixed Price Packages
Where possible, we’ll provide a fixed-price package for your hospital care. This covers your hospital stay, nursing, and use of our facilities, giving you a clear guide to what those costs will be.
- Pre-op assessment
- Hospital stay, nursing care and meals
- Tests, scans and physio during your stay
- Take-home medication (up to 5 days)
- Post-op follow-up appointments
- Standard equipment or prosthesis (if needed)
- Unplanned extended stay or ITU (if clinically required)
- Initial consultation and any tests done during it
- Consultant and anaesthetist fees (quoted separately)
- Physio or therapy before or after your stay
- Diagnostics before admission (unless agreed in your plan)
- Specialist medication beyond 5 days
- Ambulance transport or bespoke prosthetics
Your consultant’s fees are quoted separately and shared directly by their office after your consultation. These professional fees cover the time, expertise, and care provided by your consultant before, during, and after your treatment. See our full terms and conditions
Timeline
At The London Clinic we focus on efficient, high-quality care. Our 360-degree care approach ensures fast access to specialist consultants, tests and scans, treatment and rehabilitation.
Book an appointment
Our dedicated appointments team will arrange for you to meet with one of our renowned consultants.
Pre-operative assessment
You’ll have an enhanced pre-operative assessment appointment to review your general health, wellbeing, home environment and support system so we can prepare for your hospital stay and to make sure you have everything you need once you’re home.
Pre-operative rehabilitation
Our all-inclusive treatment packages include a personalised rehabilitation pathway managed by one of our chartered physiotherapists which prepares you for surgery and helps you recover better.
The day of your surgery
Your care team will welcome you, talk you through the day ahead and get you ready you for surgery.
After your operation, your consultant will check in with you to find out how you’re feeling and tell you about your surgery and discuss the plan for your recovery.
Follow-up care
Once you’re fit to leave hospital, you'll be discharged - usually on the same day. If you need more time to rest and recover, they may recommend you stay overnight.
We'll arrange all follow-up appointments and give you any medications you need before you.
Why choose The London Clinic?
Trusted for over 90 years, The London Clinic is an independent charitable hospital that reinvests into care, research, and support for those who can’t easily access private treatment.
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0% Finance Options
We’ve teamed up with Chrysalis to offer you funding options that allow you to spread the cost of your treatment.
If you choose to pay for your treatment at The London Clinic over 12 months, you can make use of a great 0% interest option and pay nothing extra. Or you can choose to pay over two to five years at 14.9% APR.
Trustees of the London Clinic Ltd trading as The London Clinic is an Appointed Representative of Chrysalis Finance Limited, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. The London Clinic is a credit broker, not a lender. The provider of a payment scheme which is not offered through or by Chrysalis Finance Limited may not be so authorised and regulated. Cancer treatments or transplants aren’t covered by finance packages. Finance options are only available for UK patients.