What Is an ACL Injury, and Do You Need Reconstruction?
An ACL injury is a partial or complete tear of the anterior cruciate ligament in the knee. Most happen during sport or sudden twisting movements. Here's how doctors diagnose, grade, and treat them.
Get Free Expert Advice on ACL
- Sprain Grades & Warning Signs
- Reconstruction vs Conservative Care
- What to Expect Before & After
What Is an ACL Injury, and Do You Need Reconstruction?
An ACL injury is a partial or complete tear of the anterior cruciate ligament in the knee. Most happen during sport or sudden twisting movements. Here's how doctors diagnose, grade, and treat them.
- Sprain Grades & Warning Signs
- Reconstruction vs Conservative Care
- What to Expect Before & After
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ACL Reconstruction Packages
Not sure if you need single-ACL or combined ACL & PCL reconstruction? Speak with us
Understanding ACL Injuries — Signs, Grades & Recovery
The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is one of the four main ligaments stabilising the knee. A tear typically happens during sport, a sudden change of direction, or a fall. Without treatment the knee can feel unstable and is at risk of further damage to cartilage and menisci. Here's what every patient should know.
Common signs of an ACL injury
Popping sound at injury
A distinct pop or snap in the knee at the moment of the twist or impact.
Rapid swelling
Significant knee swelling within hours due to bleeding into the joint.
Knee giving way
A feeling of the knee buckling or shifting, especially on pivoting movements.
Pain and limited motion
Pain on standing or walking and difficulty bending or straightening the knee fully.
Sprain grades and treatment paths
Guide
Everything You Need to Know About ACL Reconstruction
| Single ACL | ACL + PCL |
|---|---|
| How It's Done | |
| Arthroscopic ACL graft placement | Combined ACL + PCL graft reconstruction |
| Indications | |
| Isolated ACL tear | Combined ACL & PCL tears (high-impact trauma) |
| Pain During & After Procedure | |
| Mild - keyhole technique | Mild to moderate - longer surgery |
| Time Taken | |
| 60 - 90 minutes | 120 - 180 minutes |
| Stitches | |
| Absorbable internal sutures | Absorbable internal sutures |
| Healing Time | |
| 6 - 9 months | 9 - 12 months |
| Swelling | |
| Moderate for 1 - 2 weeks | Moderate for 2 - 3 weeks |
| Scarring | |
| Tiny keyhole scars | Slightly larger keyhole scars |
| Infection Risk | |
| Low | Low |
| Follow Up | |
| Weekly physiotherapy reviews | Weekly extended physiotherapy reviews |
| Return To Sports | |
| 6 - 9 months | 9 - 12 months |
Our Services
Advanced ACL Reconstruction Procedures We Offer
What to expect — consultation to full recovery
Consultation, examination, and MRI to confirm the tear and plan the graft choice.
Arthroscopic reconstruction under spinal or general anaesthesia. Hospital stay of 1 - 2 days.
Crutches + brace. Early physiotherapy begins to restore knee motion.
Quad strengthening and proprioception training. Most patients walk without support.
Return to sport with graded conditioning and clearance from the surgeon.
How it Works
Your ACL Reconstruction Journey at Even Hospitals
Step 1Consultation & Diagnosis
After consultation & MRI evaluation, your doctor confirms the ACL tear and assesses whether the PCL is also affected.
Step 2ACL Reconstruction Procedure
Anaesthesia is given, and the torn ligament is reconstructed arthroscopically using a tendon graft. The procedure usually takes 60 - 180 minutes.
Step 3Post-Surgery Care
Patients are monitored post-surgery; physiotherapy begins within 24 hours, with discharge typically within 1 - 2 days.
Step 4Recovery & Follow-Up
Single ACL reconstruction requires 6 - 9 months of recovery, while combined ACL & PCL reconstruction needs 9 - 12 months for full return to sports.
Already diagnosed and need surgery? Your surgery may be 100% insurance-covered.
Personalised guidance for your surgery - what’s covered, your final cost, how to claim, and if it’s covered at any hospital.
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Why Choose Us
Why Choose Even Hospitals for ACL Reconstruction?

Trust & Transparency
- Clear cost estimates with no hidden charges.
- Trusted by 75K+ Even members for quality care and reliable treatment.

Advanced Technology
- Arthroscopic single-bundle and double-bundle ACL reconstruction with sport-specific rehab.
- Modern operating facilities.

Faster Recovery
- Modern procedures support faster healing with shorter hospital stays.
- Personalised recovery guidance to ensure a smooth healing process.

Easy Access & Affordability
- Cashless insurance support with easy EMI payment options.
- 1 hospital and 5+ clinics across Bengaluru so care is always nearby.
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Why Our Patients Trust Us
Our Facilities
Experience Even Hospital
State of the Art Infrastructure
- Modern medical equipment
- Clean and hygienic spaces
- Patient-first design
Reception Area
- Smooth & guided check-in
- Comfortable waiting spaces
- Dedicated patient support
Surgical Suites
- Precision surgical equipment
- Sterile operation theatres
- Safe and efficient procedures
Patient Rooms
- Comfortable recovery spaces
- Privacy and quiet care
- Clean and modern interiors
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