An ACL tear is a common knee injury affecting the anterior cruciate ligament, one of the four main ligaments stabilising the knee joint. An ACL tear can cause pain, swelling, instability, and reduced range of motion in the knee. Treatment depends on several factors, such as the injury's severity, the patient's activity level, and the presence of other injuries in the knee.

Rest and anti-inflammatory medication can help reduce the pain and inflammation in the knee and allow the injury to heal.

Physiotherapy involves exercises that help strengthen the muscles around the knee and improve the stability and function of the joint. Physical therapy can also help restore the knee's range of motion and flexibility. Physical therapy is essential to treating an ACL injury, whether or not surgery is required. It can help prepare the knee for surgery or help the patient recover. It can also help patients who choose not to have surgery to cope with the instability symptoms and prevent further damage to the knee.

Surgery involves replacing the torn ligament with a graft, a piece of tendon from another part of the knee. Surgery is usually recommended for patients who have complete ACL tears or who have other injuries in the knee, such as damage to the meniscus, articular cartilage, or other ligaments. Surgery is also recommended for patients who are active and want to continue playing sports or who have persistent instability symptoms that interfere with their daily activities. Surgery is performed using arthroscopy, which is a minimally invasive technique that involves making small incisions and inserting a camera and instruments through them. A course of physical therapy follows surgery to help the patient recover and regain the function of the knee. The recovery time from surgery may vary from 6 to 12 months, depending on the individual case.

The decision to have surgery or not depends on the patient’s preferences, goals, expectations, and the doctor’s advice. There are benefits and risks associated with both options, and the patient should weigh them carefully before making a choice. The patient should also follow the doctor’s instructions and the physical therapist’s guidance to ensure the best possible outcome for their knee.

 The Cost of surgery depends upon the type of room availed and can vary from ₹1,50,000/- up to ₹ 2,50,000/-