ACL Injury & ACL Reconstruction
Getting back to sport and daily life

Felt a pop in your knee while twisting, followed by swelling? You may have torn your anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). At Charak Hospital, Hardoi Road, Dubagga, our orthopaedic and arthroscopy surgeons diagnose ACL injuries and, when needed, rebuild the ligament with keyhole surgery, followed by a structured rehabilitation programme.

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About the ACL

What is an ACL injury?

The ACL is one of the four main ligaments of the knee. It stops the shin bone sliding forward and keeps the knee stable when you turn or pivot. It is usually torn by a sudden twist, a landing from a jump or a direct blow, often during football, cricket, kabaddi, basketball or a fall. A complete ACL tear does not usually heal on its own.

  • Diagnosis by examination and MRI
  • Rehabilitation alone for some, surgery for others
  • Arthroscopic (keyhole) ACL reconstruction
  • Treatment of meniscus tears at the same operation
  • Step-by-step rehab to return to sport

Instability

The knee gives way on turning.

Keyhole surgery

Small cuts and a camera.

New ligament

Usually made from your own tendon.

Rehab

The most important part of recovery.

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Symptoms

Signs of an ACL tear

Common signs after a knee injury:

A pop

Heard or felt at the time of injury.

Rapid swelling

Within a few hours.

Pain

Difficulty continuing to play.

Giving way

The knee feels loose or wobbly.

Reduced movement

Hard to straighten or bend fully.

Difficulty walking

Limping or using support.

Severe pain, a deformed knee or numbness of the foot after an injury needs emergency care. Call 0522-666-4444. Call 0522-666-4444.

Treatment options

Treatment options for ACL injuries

Tap a card to read more.

Rehabilitation only

For partial tears or less active people

Suits

Partial tears, or people who do not do pivoting sports.

Includes

Strengthening, balance training and a brace if needed.

Note

Some people later need surgery if the knee keeps giving way.

Physiotherapy

Hamstring tendon graft

A common graft choice

What it is

Tendons from the back of the thigh form the new ligament.

Benefit

Small cuts and less pain at the front of the knee.

Recovery

Return to sport usually after 6 to 9 months.

Patellar tendon graft

From the front of the knee

What it is

A strip of the kneecap tendon with small bone blocks.

Suits

Some athletes.

Note

Kneeling may be uncomfortable for a time.

ACL with meniscus repair

Combined injury

When

The cartilage cushion is also torn.

How

Repaired or trimmed in the same operation.

Recovery

Rehab may be slower if the meniscus is stitched.

Revision ACL surgery

If an earlier graft fails

When

A new injury or graft failure.

Planning

Needs detailed MRI and sometimes CT.

Note

May be done in one or two stages.

No match found. Please call us on 0522-666-4444 — we will guide you.

Diagnosis

How an ACL tear is diagnosed

Diagnosis is made by examination and confirmed with MRI.

History

How the injury happened and symptoms since.

Examination

Special tests of knee stability.

X-ray

To rule out fractures.

MRI

Shows the ACL, meniscus and cartilage.

Plan

Rehab or surgery discussed with you.

Your rehab timeline

Tap a phase to see what usually happens after ACL reconstruction.

The operation

What happens with ACL reconstruction

Here is what to expect.

Prehab

Surgery is often done once the swelling settles and the knee moves well.

Physiotherapy to reduce swellingFull straightening of the kneeStrengthening the thigh

Bring

  • MRI films and report
  • List of medicines
  • Sports and work goals

Ask us about

  • Graft choice
  • Time off work
  • Costs and insurance
Recovery

Recovering well

General guidance — follow your surgeon’s and physiotherapist’s plan.

Swelling

Use ice and keep the leg raised in the first weeks.

Wear compression if advised.

Exercises

Straightening the knee fully early is important.

Build up thigh and hip strength step by step.

Wounds

Keep wounds clean and dry until stitches are removed.

Preventing re-injury

Warm up before sport and practise landing and turning techniques.

Return to sport only after clearance.

Contact us urgently if

  • Fever, or redness or discharge from a wound
  • Calf pain or swelling
  • Sudden severe pain or swelling
  • The knee giving way again
  • Numbness of the foot
0522-666-4444
Myths & facts

Common worries about ACL injuries

Tap a card to see the fact.

Myth

“If I can walk, the ACL is fine.”

Tap to flip
Fact

Many people can walk after an ACL tear. Instability often shows only when turning or playing sport.

Myth

“Surgery alone fixes the knee.”

Tap to flip
Fact

Rehab after surgery is just as important as the operation.

Myth

“An ACL tear always needs surgery.”

Tap to flip
Fact

Not always. Some people do well with rehab alone, depending on activity and stability.

Myth

“I can go back to sport in a few weeks.”

Tap to flip
Fact

Return to pivoting sport usually takes 6 to 9 months to protect the new ligament.

Our doctors

Meet our orthopaedic surgeons

Knee & sports injury Physiotherapy MRI
Practical help

Preparing for surgery, costs & insurance

A little preparation helps us plan your treatment.

What to bring to your visit

Tick off as you pack:

  • MRI films and report
  • A list of all medicines
  • Details of your sport and work
  • Insurance card, Ayushman card, CGHS or ECHS papers

Costs & insurance

Costs depend on the graft and fixation devices, whether the meniscus is treated, and the length of stay. Ask for a written estimate after your consultation.

  • ✓CGHS, ECHS & Railways — empanelled for eligible beneficiaries.
  • ✓Written estimate— ask for one before planned procedures or admission.
  • ✓Health insurance & TPA— cashless treatment for admissions under tie-up insurers; outpatient visits depend on your policy.
  • ✓Ayushman Bharat (PM-JAY) accepted for eligible admissions.
  • ✓Corporate & PSU panels— ask whether your employer has a tie-up with Charak Hospital.

*Coverage depends on your policy and the treatment. Our insurance desk can check this for you.

Call 0522-666-4444
FAQs

Frequently asked questions

Does a torn ACL heal on its own?

A complete tear usually does not heal. Partial tears may improve with rehab.

Do I need surgery?

It depends on how unstable the knee is, your activity level and other injuries. Your surgeon will advise.

How long is the hospital stay?

Usually 1 to 2 days.

When can I walk?

Usually the same or next day, with crutches.

When can I play sport again?

Usually after 6 to 9 months of rehab and tests of strength.

What are the risks?

Risks include infection, stiffness, graft failure and blood clots. Your surgeon will explain your own risk.

Is ACL surgery covered by insurance?

Most health insurance policies cover ACL reconstruction. Our insurance desk can check your cover.

How do I book?

Call 0522-666-4444 or use the form on this page.

Glossary

Words you may hear

ACLAnterior cruciate ligament.
GraftTissue used to make the new ligament.
ArthroscopyKeyhole surgery with a camera.
MeniscusA cartilage cushion in the knee.
PrehabExercise before surgery.
Pivoting sportSport with sudden turns, such as football.
BraceA support worn on the knee.
RevisionA repeat operation.

No matching term. Please ask your doctor at your next visit.

Related pages

Related departments and guides

Knee replacement & sports injury Knee replacement cost Orthopaedics Physiotherapy

Hurt your knee?

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Medical information disclaimer: This page provides general health information for patients and families. It is not a substitute for a consultation, diagnosis or treatment by a qualified doctor. Treatment decisions depend on each patient's individual condition. In an emergency, call 0522-666-4444 or go to the nearest emergency department.

About this page: Prepared by the Charak Hospital web team with the help of AI writing tools, using information from the Department of Orthopedic & Joint replacement, Charak Hospital & Research Centre ·  Last updated: October 2026

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