Dr. Samhitha Reddy
Consultant Proctologist & Laparoscopic Surgeon
MBBS, MS, FMAS, FISCP, DMAS
- 8 Yrs
- ASCRS Member
Orthopaedics · Sports Injury
ACL Tear Treatment in Hyderabad: Expert Care at Lux Hospitals
An ACL tear is the classic sporting knee injury: a twist, a pop, immediate swelling, and a knee that afterwards gives way on turning. It is common in football, cricket, kabaddi and badminton.
Not every ACL tear needs reconstruction, and not every reconstruction should be rushed into. Our orthopaedic surgeons at Lux Hospitals, HITEC CITY perform arthroscopic ACL reconstruction with a structured return-to-sport programme, and will advise honestly on whether you need one.
- Arthroscopic Reconstruction
- Return-to-Sport Programme
- Structured Rehabilitation
What is an ACL Tear?
The anterior cruciate ligament runs diagonally through the centre of the knee and stops the shin bone sliding forward on the thigh bone. It is what allows you to turn, pivot and change direction without the knee giving way.
Tears are graded by severity. A grade 1 tear is a stretch with the ligament still functional. A grade 2 is a partial tear with some looseness. A grade 3 is a complete rupture, and the knee becomes unstable on pivoting movements.
The important thing to understand is that a torn ACL does not heal. Unlike most ligaments it has a poor blood supply and sits bathed in joint fluid, and a complete tear will not reattach itself. The decision is therefore not whether it will heal, but whether you need it reconstructed for the life you want to lead.
Causes & Risk Factors
Most ACL tears happen without contact: a sudden deceleration or change of direction with the foot planted.
-
Pivoting and cutting movements
Changing direction sharply with the foot planted. The classic non-contact mechanism, accounting for the majority of tears.
-
Sudden deceleration
Stopping abruptly from running, particularly with the knee close to straight and the body weight behind it.
-
Awkward landing
Landing from a jump with the knee collapsing inward, common in badminton, basketball and volleyball.
-
Direct contact
A blow to the outside of the knee forcing it inward, seen in football and kabaddi tackles.
-
Being female
Women have a several-fold higher rate of ACL injury, related to differences in anatomy, hormones and landing mechanics.
-
Poor neuromuscular control
Weak hip and core muscles allow the knee to collapse inward on landing: the single most trainable risk factor.
-
Previous ACL injury
Having torn one ACL substantially raises the risk to both the reconstructed knee and the opposite one.
-
Playing surface and footwear
High-friction surfaces and studded footwear increase the rotational force transmitted to the knee.
Neuromuscular training programmes measurably reduce ACL injury rates in athletes, particularly in women. That is genuinely preventive rather than just advice after the event.
Symptoms of an ACL Tear
The history is usually distinctive: a twisting injury with an audible pop, and swelling that develops within hours rather than days.
At the time of injury
- A sudden pop or snap felt or heard in the knee
- Severe pain and inability to continue playing
- Rapid swelling within the first few hours
- A sensation that the knee has shifted out of place
- Difficulty bearing weight on the leg
- Marked loss of range of motion
Afterwards
- The knee giving way when turning or changing direction
- A feeling of instability on uneven ground or stairs
- Recurrent swelling after activity
- Loss of confidence in the knee during sport
- Weakness and wasting of the thigh muscles
- Locking, if the meniscus was torn at the same time
Swelling within hours of a twisting injury means bleeding into the joint, and in a young athlete that means an ACL tear until proved otherwise. Swelling that appears the next day is far less specific.
How an ACL Tear is Diagnosed
The diagnosis is often clear from the history and examination. MRI confirms it and, importantly, identifies what else was damaged.
-
Clinical examination
The Lachman test is the most sensitive, assessing forward laxity of the shin. The pivot shift test reproduces the giving-way sensation.
-
X-ray
Excludes fracture, particularly an avulsion of the bony attachment which is more common in adolescents.
-
MRI scan
The definitive investigation. It confirms the ACL tear and identifies associated meniscal tears, cartilage damage and bone bruising.
-
Assessment of associated injuries
The meniscus, collateral ligaments and cartilage are commonly damaged at the same time, and that changes the surgical plan.
-
Functional assessment
How the knee behaves in daily life and sport, which determines whether reconstruction is needed at all.
-
Pre-operative preparation
Regaining full extension and reducing swelling before surgery. Operating on a stiff, swollen knee causes lasting stiffness.
Surgery is deliberately delayed until swelling settles and full extension returns, usually two to six weeks. Reconstructing an angry, stiff knee is the main cause of post-operative arthrofibrosis.
Treatment Options for ACL Tear
A torn ACL does not heal, but not everyone needs it reconstructed. The decision rests on your activities and how unstable the knee actually is.
Non-surgical
Non-surgical management
-
Structured rehabilitation
Intensive strengthening of the quadriceps and hamstrings with neuromuscular training. Many people with a torn ACL manage well without surgery.
-
Activity modification
Avoiding pivoting sports while continuing straight-line activities such as running, cycling and swimming, which the knee tolerates well.
-
Functional bracing
A hinged brace giving a degree of confidence and support during activity, though it does not replace the ligament.
-
Early swelling control
Ice, elevation and gentle movement in the first weeks, which is necessary whether or not surgery follows.
Surgical
ACL reconstruction
-
Hamstring graft reconstruction
The commonest technique. Two hamstring tendons are harvested and folded to form a new ligament, fixed in bone tunnels.
-
Bone-patellar tendon-bone graft
A strip of patellar tendon with bone blocks at each end, giving bone-to-bone healing. Often preferred in high-demand pivoting athletes.
-
Quadriceps tendon graft
An increasingly used option with good strength and less donor-site pain than a patellar tendon graft.
-
Meniscal repair at the same time
Associated meniscal tears are repaired during the same operation, which preserves tissue and protects against later arthritis.
-
Revision ACL reconstruction
For a graft that has re-ruptured, usually more complex and sometimes staged with bone grafting of the old tunnels.
Reconstruction is recommended for those who play pivoting sports, whose knee gives way in daily life, or who have a repairable meniscal tear. Those who avoid pivoting sport can often do very well without it.
What ACL Reconstruction Involves
A sixty to ninety minute arthroscopic procedure with a graft taken from your own knee, usually as a day case or one night.
Arthroscopic ACL reconstruction
-
Timing the surgery
Delayed until swelling has settled and full extension returned: typically two to six weeks after injury, to avoid post-operative stiffness.
-
Anaesthesia
General or spinal anaesthesia, usually with a nerve block for post-operative pain relief.
-
Harvesting the graft
Hamstring tendons taken through a small incision below the knee, or a strip of patellar or quadriceps tendon, depending on the chosen graft.
-
Arthroscopic assessment
The joint is inspected, the torn ACL remnant cleared, and any meniscal tear repaired at this stage.
-
Creating the tunnels
Tunnels are drilled in the femur and tibia at the exact anatomical footprints of the original ligament. Tunnel position is the single biggest determinant of success.
-
Passing and fixing the graft
The graft is passed through the tunnels and fixed with screws, buttons or similar devices, then tensioned appropriately.
-
Testing and closure
Stability is tested with the Lachman and pivot shift, full range confirmed, and the small incisions closed.
Tunnel placement matters more than graft choice. A graft in the wrong position will not restore normal mechanics however strong it is, which is why the anatomical footprints are identified precisely.
Why Choose Lux Hospitals for ACL Treatment?
ACL reconstruction succeeds on tunnel placement and on rehabilitation, not on the operation alone. Here is why patients trust us:
-
Experienced sports surgeons
Orthopaedic surgeons performing arthroscopic ACL reconstruction regularly, including revision and multi-ligament cases.
-
Return-to-sport testing
Structured rehabilitation with objective strength and hop testing before clearance, rather than clearance by calendar.
-
Comprehensive care
From the first consultation through to post-treatment follow-up, with one team throughout.
-
Convenient location
Our hospital is in HITEC CITY, near IKEA: easily reachable from across Hyderabad.
Recovery & Return to Sport
ACL rehabilitation takes six to nine months, and returning early is the main cause of re-rupture. The programme is the treatment.
- Weeks 0–2
Ice, elevation and full extension exercises. Walking with crutches, weight-bearing as comfortable. Swelling control is the priority.
- Weeks 2–6
Full range of motion regained, crutches discarded, and quadriceps activation restored. Stationary cycling begins.
- Weeks 6–12
Progressive strengthening, closed-chain exercises and balance work. Desk work and driving resume.
- Months 3–6
Running usually permitted around three months, progressing to agility work, cutting drills and sport-specific training.
- Months 6–9
Return to pivoting sport, gated on strength testing and hop-test symmetry rather than on time elapsed.
Aftercare
-
Get full extension early
Regaining complete straightening in the first weeks is the top priority. A knee that will not straighten causes lasting problems.
-
Commit to the full programme
Six to nine months of structured rehabilitation. This is not optional padding: it is what makes the reconstruction work.
-
Do not return to sport on time alone
Return should be gated on strength symmetry and hop testing. Returning at six months without passing those roughly doubles re-rupture risk.
-
Train the whole chain
Hip and core strength control how the knee behaves on landing. Neuromuscular training protects both knees.
-
When to call us
Fever, spreading redness, calf pain and swelling, sudden giving way, or a new pop during rehabilitation.
-
Protect the other knee too
Having torn one ACL raises the risk to the opposite knee substantially. The prevention training applies to both.
Around one in five athletes who return to pivoting sport suffers a further ACL injury, to either knee. Passing objective return-to-sport testing rather than simply waiting six months reduces that risk considerably.
When Should You See a Specialist?
Book a consultation if any of the following apply.
- A twisting knee injury with a pop and rapid swelling.
- Your knee gives way when turning or on uneven ground.
- Loss of confidence in the knee during sport.
- Recurrent swelling after activity.
- The knee locking as well as giving way.
- A previous ACL reconstruction that has given way again.
Cost of ACL Treatment in Hyderabad
Graft fixation implants are a significant part of the cost. These are the ranges our patients fall into.
| Procedure | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Consultation & assessment Per visit | ₹800 – ₹1,500 |
| MRI knee Confirms the tear and associated injuries | ₹6,000 – ₹12,000 |
| Non-surgical rehabilitation programme Three to six months of structured physiotherapy | ₹15,000 – ₹35,000 |
| Arthroscopic ACL reconstruction One night’s stay, graft fixation included | ₹1,40,000 – ₹2,50,000 |
| ACL with meniscal repair One night’s stay, additional implants | ₹1,80,000 – ₹3,00,000 |
| Revision ACL reconstruction More complex, sometimes staged | ₹2,20,000 – ₹4,00,000 |
| Post-operative rehabilitation Six to nine months of structured programme | ₹25,000 – ₹50,000 |
What changes the estimate
-
Graft choice and fixation
Fixation devices vary considerably in price, and different graft choices involve different implants.
-
Associated injuries
Meniscal repair, cartilage procedures or additional ligament reconstruction all add to the operation and the cost.
-
Rehabilitation programme
Six to nine months of structured physiotherapy is a real cost, and it is what determines the outcome.
-
Room category
A shared ward, a twin-sharing room or a private suite: the largest single swing in most estimates.
-
Insurance & TPA cover
We are empanelled with most major insurers, and our team files the pre-authorisation for you.
Every figure above is an indicative range, not a quote. After your consultation you are given a written, fixed-cost estimate, and that is the number you pay, with no additions once treatment begins.
Other Orthopaedics Treatments
Our Surgeons
ACL Tear Specialists at Lux Hospitals
The orthopaedic and sports injury surgeons who treat ACL tears at our HITEC CITY hospital.
-
Dr. Sai Kishan Sirasala
Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon: Joint Replacement & Arthroscopy
MS (Ortho), FIJR, FIASM (UK), FIKS (Italy), FIRJR
8 years experience
-
Dr. Bathini Hithesh
Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon
MBBS, MS, FIJR
6 years experience
Testimonials
What Patients Say About Their Treatment
Reviews from patients treated for ACL, meniscus and sports injuries at Lux Hospitals, Hyderabad.
From the Blog
Latest Health Articles by Lux
Written by Dr. Sai Kishan Sirasala on sports injuries, knee surgery and orthopaedic care.
-
Best Knee Replacement Surgeon in Hyderabad: What to Look For
Dr. Sai Kishan Sirasala
-
Best Knee Replacement Surgery in Hyderabad
Dr. Sai Kishan Sirasala
-
Knee Arthroscopy for Cartilage Damage: Benefits & Care
Dr. Sai Kishan Sirasala
-
Untreated Bone Fracture: Risks, Symptoms & Treatment
Dr. Sai Kishan Sirasala
-
Rotator Cuff Tear vs Frozen Shoulder: Symptoms & Treatment
Dr. Sai Kishan Sirasala
-
Knee Arthroscopy vs Open Knee Surgery: Key Differences
Dr. Sai Kishan Sirasala
Got Questions?
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about ACL tears, reconstruction, and what surgery costs at Lux Hospitals.
Can an ACL tear heal without surgery?
A completely torn ACL does not heal: it has a poor blood supply and sits in joint fluid, so the ends do not reattach. However, many people manage very well without reconstruction through structured rehabilitation, particularly if they avoid pivoting sports. The decision depends on your activities and how unstable the knee is.
What is the recovery time after ACL surgery?
Six to nine months before returning to pivoting sport. Walking without crutches by two to four weeks, driving at six weeks, running at around three months, and sport-specific training from four to six months. Clearance should be based on strength and hop testing rather than time alone.
What happens if an ACL tear is left untreated?
The knee remains unstable on pivoting movements. Repeated episodes of giving way progressively damage the menisci and cartilage, which substantially increases the risk of arthritis in later decades. For someone who avoids pivoting activity entirely, that risk is much lower.
Is ACL reconstruction surgery safe?
Yes, it is a safe and well-established arthroscopic procedure. Risks include infection, blood clots, stiffness, graft failure and pain at the graft harvest site. All are uncommon, and stiffness is largely prevented by delaying surgery until swelling has settled.
Which graft is best for ACL reconstruction?
Hamstring, patellar tendon and quadriceps tendon grafts all give good results. Patellar tendon offers bone-to-bone healing and is often preferred in high-demand pivoting athletes, at the cost of more anterior knee pain. Hamstring grafts have less donor-site pain. The choice is made with you.
Why is surgery delayed after the injury?
Operating on a swollen, stiff knee substantially increases the risk of arthrofibrosis: permanent stiffness that is very difficult to treat. Surgery is therefore delayed two to six weeks until swelling settles and full extension returns. The delay improves the outcome rather than compromising it.
Will my knee be as good as before?
Most patients return to their previous level of activity, and stability is restored in the great majority. Some describe the knee as never feeling quite identical to the original. Around one in five athletes suffers a further ACL injury to one knee or the other, which is why prevention training continues afterwards.
What is the cost of ACL tear treatment at Lux Hospitals?
Arthroscopic ACL reconstruction ranges from about ₹1,40,000 to ₹2,50,000 including the stay and graft fixation. Adding a meniscal repair takes it to ₹1,80,000–₹3,00,000. Six to nine months of rehabilitation adds ₹25,000–₹50,000, and it is not an optional extra.
How can I book an appointment for ACL treatment at Lux Hospitals?
You can book an appointment by calling us, messaging us on WhatsApp, or walking into Lux Hospitals, HITEC CITY. Bring any MRI scans of the knee with you.
Still have questions? Call us at 079 6908 4422
Still have questions? Message us on WhatsApp at 079 6908 4444
Book Your ACL Consultation in Hyderabad
Arthroscopic ACL reconstruction with a structured return-to-sport programme, and a fixed-cost estimate before treatment begins.
Plot No.116, Lumbini Avenue, HITEC CITY, Near IKEA, Hyderabad – 500032