ACL Reconstruction in Ranchi
Arthroscopic reconstruction of a torn anterior cruciate ligament for selected patients with knee instability, sports injury or repeated giving-way episodes.
What is an ACL tear?
The anterior cruciate ligament, or ACL, is one of the major stabilising ligaments of the knee. It helps control forward movement and rotation of the tibia. ACL tears commonly occur during sudden twisting, pivoting, awkward landing or contact sports.
Common symptoms of an ACL injury
At the time of injury
- A sudden twisting injury.
- A popping sensation or sound.
- Rapid swelling.
- Difficulty continuing sport.
- Pain and instability.
Later symptoms
- Knee giving way during turns or pivots.
- Lack of confidence while running.
- Difficulty returning to sport.
- Repeated swelling after activity.
- Associated meniscus symptoms in some cases.
When is ACL surgery considered?
- Persistent knee instability despite rehabilitation.
- Desire to return to pivoting or cutting sports.
- Repeated giving-way episodes during routine or athletic activity.
- Associated meniscus injury that requires repair.
- High physical-demand occupation.
- Young or active patients where instability is likely to cause further joint damage.
How is an ACL tear diagnosed?
Diagnosis is based on the injury history, physical examination and MRI. X-rays are often obtained to rule out fractures or assess alignment. MRI helps confirm the ligament tear and identify associated meniscus, cartilage or other ligament injuries.
Not every ACL tear requires immediate surgery
Strength, balance and movement training may be appropriate for selected low-demand patients.
Avoiding pivoting sports may allow some patients to function well without reconstruction.
Selected patients may use a brace during recovery or specific activities.
The torn ligament is replaced with a graft in patients with symptomatic instability.
Associated meniscus tears may be repaired during the same arthroscopic procedure.
More complex injuries may require treatment of multiple ligaments.
What tissue is used to reconstruct the ACL?
Uses tendons from the back of the thigh and is commonly used in ACL reconstruction.
Uses the middle portion of the patellar tendon with bone blocks in selected patients.
Uses part of the quadriceps tendon and may be suitable for selected primary or revision cases.
Donor tissue may be considered in selected situations, though indications vary.
Depends on age, sport, previous surgery, surgeon experience and patient factors.
Each graft has advantages and trade-offs; selection should be individualised.
Your ACL reconstruction journey
Regional or general anaesthesia is used according to patient and anaesthesia factors.
The knee is inspected and associated meniscus or cartilage injuries are identified.
The selected graft is harvested and prepared.
Bone tunnels are created in the femur and tibia at planned ligament positions.
The graft is passed through the tunnels and secured with appropriate fixation devices.
The small incisions are closed and rehabilitation begins according to protocol.
Before ACL reconstruction
- Clinical examination and MRI review.
- Reduce swelling before surgery where possible.
- Restore knee extension and useful range of motion.
- Prehabilitation to improve quadriceps strength.
- Pre-anaesthesia assessment.
- Medication review, especially blood thinners.
- Discussion of graft type and associated meniscus treatment.
Going into surgery with a very stiff, swollen knee can make rehabilitation harder. Pre-operative motion and swelling control are important.
Recovery after ACL reconstruction
Early recovery
Early priorities include pain and swelling control, full knee extension, safe walking and activation of the quadriceps.
Longer-term recovery
Strength, balance, running, change-of-direction control and sport-specific performance are rebuilt gradually over several months.
ACL rehab is milestone-based
Control swelling, restore extension, begin walking and activate quadriceps.
Improve range of motion, strength and gait.
Progress strength, balance and controlled functional training.
Introduce running, jumping and advanced neuromuscular training when criteria are met.
Sport-specific drills and objective testing guide clearance.
When can I return to sports?
Return to sport should not be based on time alone. Many athletes require around 9–12 months or longer before returning to pivoting sports. Clearance should consider strength symmetry, hop testing, movement quality, confidence, knee stability and sport-specific readiness.
Returning too early increases the risk of graft failure or injury to the opposite knee.
What risks should patients understand?
Possible complications include infection, blood clots, stiffness, loss of full extension, graft failure, recurrent instability, numbness around the incision, fixation problems, persistent pain, donor-site discomfort and the possible need for revision surgery.
Understanding ACL reconstruction cost
Final cost depends on graft type, fixation implants, meniscus repair, additional ligament treatment, anaesthesia, room category, physiotherapy and length of stay.
Get exact estimateCoverage depends on diagnosis, medical necessity, implants, policy or scheme rules, empanelment and pre-authorisation.
Why choose Hopewell for ACL reconstruction?
Evaluation, surgery and rehabilitation are coordinated from injury to return to sport.
Minimally invasive reconstruction is used for suitable ACL injuries.
Graft choice is individualised according to age, sport and clinical need.
Associated meniscus tears can be assessed and repaired when appropriate.
Physiotherapy is built into the treatment pathway from the beginning.
Sport clearance is based on functional milestones rather than a date alone.
Meet the sports injury specialist
Dr. Ashish Paal
Orthopaedics, Arthroscopy & Sports Medicine • Hopewell Hospital, Ranchi
Clinical focus may include ACL reconstruction, arthroscopy, meniscus surgery, sports injuries, ligament reconstruction and joint preservation.
Frequently asked questions
No. Some low-demand patients can function well with rehabilitation and activity modification. Surgery is commonly considered when instability persists or return to pivoting sport is important.
Knee giving way after a sports injury?
Book an orthopaedic sports medicine consultation with Dr. Ashish Paal to review your MRI and understand whether rehabilitation or ACL reconstruction is appropriate.
*Procedure time, hospital stay and recovery are indicative and vary by individual clinical condition. This page is for patient education and does not replace medical consultation.