SERVICES

ACL Reconstruction Surgery

Overview

What is ACL Reconstruction?

The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is one of the key ligaments in the knee joint, providing stability and control during movement. ACL injuries, often caused by sudden twists, direct impact, or high-impact sports, can lead to instability, pain, and restricted mobility.

ACL reconstruction is a surgical procedure that replaces the damaged ACL with a graft—usually sourced from the patient's own hamstring, patellar tendon, or a donor tissue. The goal is to restore knee function, enhance stability, and allow individuals to return to daily activities and sports.

What Does ACL Reconstruction Treat?

ACL reconstruction is primarily performed to address complete or near-complete tears of the ACL, which can lead to:

  • Knee instability, causing the knee to give out during physical activity
  • Limited range of motion and persistent knee pain
  • Difficulty in performing sports or activities that involve pivoting, jumping, or quick direction changes
  • Secondary damage to other knee structures, such as menisci and cartilage, due to instability

While mild ACL sprains or partial tears may be managed with physiotherapy and bracing, complete tears or those affecting an active individual often necessitate reconstruction.

What Does ACL Reconstruction Treat?

Who is a Suitable Candidate for ACL Reconstruction?

ACL reconstruction is recommended for individuals who:

  • Have a complete ACL tear and experience knee instability
  • Are physically active and wish to return to sports or demanding activities
  • Have persistent knee pain and difficulty with movements despite conservative treatments
  • Are under 40 years old (although age is not a strict limitation)
  • Have additional knee injuries, such as meniscus or cartilage damage

Conversely, those with mild tears, lower activity levels, or severe osteoarthritis may be advised to opt for non-surgical treatments like rehabilitation and bracing.

To find out if ACL reconstruction may be appropriate for you, please reach out to us today for a detailed evaluation and advice.

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How is ACL Reconstruction Performed?

How is ACL Reconstruction Performed?

ACL reconstruction is typically performed as an arthroscopic procedure, which is minimally invasive and involves the following steps:

  • Anaesthesia and Preparation

    : The patient is placed under general or regional anaesthesia

  • Incision and Arthroscopy

    : Small incisions are made, and an arthroscope (a thin camera) is inserted into the knee to assess the damage

  • Graft Harvesting

    : A tendon graft is taken from the hamstring, patellar tendon, or a cadaver donor

  • Drilling and Graft Placement

    : Small tunnels are drilled into the thigh and shin bones to position the graft in the exact location of the original ACL

  • Fixation

    : The graft is secured using screws or other fixation devices to ensure stability

  • Closure and Recovery

    : The incisions are closed, and the knee is bandaged. The patient is then moved to the recovery room

What to Expect Before and After ACL Reconstruction

Before Surgery
After Surgery

Before Surgery

  • A thorough physical examination and imaging tests (MRI/X-ray) will be conducted to assess the injury.
  • The patient may undergo prehabilitation (pre-surgery physiotherapy) to strengthen the knee and improve post-operative outcomes.
  • Instructions regarding fasting, medications, and lifestyle modifications will be provided.
What to Expect Before and After ACL Reconstruction
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For more information about our services, or to make an appointment, please reach out to us. We will get back to you as soon as possible.

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Frequently Asked Questions

The procedure usually lasts between 60 and 90 minutes, but total hospital time, including pre-operative and post-operative care, may be several hours.
Services

Sports Injuries
Orthopaedic Trauma
Knee
Hip
Shoulder
Foot & Ankle

Our Clinics

Mt Elizabeth Novena #05-24, 38 Irrawaddy Road, Singapore 329563 View on Google Maps

Farrer Park Hospital Connexion, #08-20, 1 Farrer Park Station Road, Singapore 217562View on Google Maps

Operating Hours

Monday to Friday : 9am to 5pm
Saturday : 9am to 1pm
Sunday & Public Holidays : Closed

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