What ACL reconstruction does
The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is a key stabiliser in the centre of the knee that stops the shin bone sliding forward and controls twisting movements. When it tears it does not heal back together, so an unstable knee is rebuilt with a new ligament - a graft - in a keyhole operation called ACL reconstruction.
The graft is usually taken from your own hamstring or patellar tendon, positioned precisely at the ligament's natural attachment points, and fixed under the right tension. Combined with a structured return-to-play rehabilitation programme, it is the gold-standard treatment for restoring stability in athletes and active people.
When ACL surgery is recommended
Not every ACL tear needs surgery. It is usually advised in these situations.
- A confirmed ACL tear with a knee that gives way during turning or sport
- Active people and athletes who want to return to pivoting sports
- ACL injury combined with a repairable meniscus or other ligament injury
- Persistent instability despite a trial of physiotherapy
How the surgery is done
- 1
Graft harvest
A graft is taken from your own hamstring or patellar tendon and carefully prepared to the correct size and strength.
- 2
Tunnel placement
Using the arthroscope, precise tunnels are drilled in the thigh and shin bones at the ligament's natural anatomic points.
- 3
Graft fixation
The new ligament is passed through the tunnels and fixed securely under the correct tension with dedicated fixation devices.
- 4
Verification
Knee stability and full range of motion are checked arthroscopically before the small incisions are closed.
Before your surgery
- A detailed clinical assessment and review of your scans (X-ray / MRI) to confirm the diagnosis and plan the surgery precisely.
- Routine pre-operative blood tests, an ECG if needed, and a fitness-for-anaesthesia check by the anaesthetist.
- Stopping blood-thinning medication (such as aspirin or clopidogrel) only if advised, and disclosing every medicine and supplement you take.
- Fasting for around 6 hours before surgery, and arranging a responsible adult to take you home and stay with you for your first night at home.
- Preparing your home for recovery - ice packs, loose clothing, and a clear path free of trip hazards.
Recovery timeline
Weeks 0-2
Focus on settling swelling, regaining full straightening of the knee and switching the quadriceps back on.
Weeks 2-12
Progressive weight-bearing, range of motion and strengthening under close physiotherapy supervision.
Months 3-6
Jogging, agility and sport-specific drills are introduced as strength and control return.
Months 6-9
Return to competitive sport once objective strength, hop and control tests are passed - not just by the calendar.
When you can run and play again
These are typical times. You return when strength and control tests are passed, not by the calendar alone.
| Milestone | Typical time |
|---|---|
| Full knee straightening, quadriceps working | Weeks 0-2 |
| Progressive weight-bearing and strengthening | Weeks 2-12 |
| Straight-line running | Around 3-4 months |
| Agility and sport-specific drills | Months 3-6 |
| Competitive pivoting sport | Months 6-9 |
How to recover well
- Follow the RICE principle early - rest, ice 15-20 minutes several times a day, gentle compression and elevation to control swelling.
- Take pain relief as prescribed rather than waiting for pain to build, and keep the wound clean and dry.
- Attend every physiotherapy session and do your home exercises - rehabilitation is as important as the surgery itself.
- Progress activity gradually and don't return to sport until you're formally cleared, to protect the operated joint.
- Watch for warning signs - spreading redness, fever, calf pain or increasing swelling - and call us if they appear.
What ACL surgery costs in Jaipur
As of November 2026, published estimates for Jaipur run from about ₹45,000 to ₹2,00,000. See the full ACL surgery cost guide for what changes the price and how RGHS and cashless cover work.
Dr. Saxena's team gives a written quote after reviewing your MRI.
Risks and results
Over 90% of patients regain a stable knee and, with diligent rehabilitation, return to their previous level of activity. Meeting objective strength and control targets before returning to sport is the best way to protect the new ligament from re-injury.
- Temporary stiffness or difficulty straightening - reduced by early rehab
- Graft re-injury, particularly if returning to sport too early
- Numbness around the incision that usually improves over time
- Infection or blood clot (uncommon)
Hear about ACL recovery
Dr. Saxena explains knee injuries and recovery on his YouTube channel.
Watch on YouTubeQuestions patients ask
No official ranking exists, so compare surgeons on arthroscopy training, how many ACL surgeries they do each year, and how they manage return to sport. Dr. Abhishek Saxena holds a fellowship in arthroscopy and sports medicine and a FIFA Diploma in Football Medicine, and has researched ACL reconstruction outcomes.
As of November 2026, published estimates for Jaipur run from about ₹45,000 to ₹2,00,000, with ₹1,30,000 to ₹2,00,000 typical at super-speciality hospitals. The figure depends on the hospital, room, graft and any meniscus repair, so ask for a written quote.
Shalby Hospital Jaipur lists RGHS, MAA Yojana and 24 insurers on its published tie-up list as of November 2026. Your cover depends on the scheme or policy, so share your card or policy details with the team before planning surgery.
Return to straight-line running is often around 3-4 months, with full return to competitive pivoting sport typically 6-9 months, guided by objective testing rather than a fixed date.
Both give excellent results. The choice is tailored to your sport, anatomy and goals, and Dr. Saxena will explain the trade-offs for your situation.
Not always - lower-demand patients can sometimes manage with rehabilitation. Surgery is recommended for instability or a wish to return to pivoting sport.
The first few days involve manageable pain controlled with medication and ice. Most discomfort comes from the early exercises, which are essential and become easier quickly.
With committed rehabilitation the reconstructed knee can regain full stability and strength. Skipping rehab is the main reason results fall short.