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ACL Tear : Symptoms, Treatment, Surgery, Recovery & Cost in India

An ACL tear is one of the most common knee ligament injuries, especially among athletes and physically active individuals. The Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) helps stabilize the knee joint during movements such as running, jumping, pivoting, and sudden direction changes. When the ACL is partially or completely torn, it can cause pain, swelling, knee instability, and difficulty participating in sports or daily activities. Treatment for an ACL injury depends on the severity of the tear, activity level, age, and individual goals. While some patients may benefit from non-surgical treatment, others may require ACL reconstruction surgery to restore knee stability and function.

An ACL tear is one of the most common knee ligament injuries, especially ... Read More

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    Dr. Bhagat Singh Rajput - A orthopedic-doctors for ACL Tear

    Dr. Bhagat Singh Rajput

    MBBS, D.Ortho
    45 Yrs.Exp.

    4.5/5

    45 Years Experience

    location icon Pristyn Care Elantis, Ring Road, Lajpat Nagar
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    080-6542-3711
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    Dr. Bhattiprolu Sarangadhara Murthy - A orthopedic-doctors for ACL Tear

    Dr. Bhattiprolu Sarangad...

    MBBS, MS-Orthopedics
    41 Yrs.Exp.

    4.5/5

    41 Years Experience

    location icon Pristyn Care Diyos Hospital, Safdarjung Enclave, Delhi
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    080-6962-5908
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    Dr. Kamal Bachani - A orthopedic-doctors for ACL Tear

    Dr. Kamal Bachani

    MBBS, MS(Ortho), M.Ch(Ortho)
    36 Yrs.Exp.

    4.5/5

    36 Years Experience

    location icon Pristyn Care Sheetla Hospital, Sector 8, Gurgaon
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    080-6542-3711
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    Dr. Abhishek Kumar  - A orthopedic-doctors for ACL Tear

    Dr. Abhishek Kumar

    MBBS, MS-Orthopedics
    29 Yrs.Exp.

    4.5/5

    29 Years Experience

    location icon Pristyn Care Elantis Hospital, Lajpat Nagar, Delhi
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    080-6962-5907

What is an ACL Tear?

An ACL tear occurs when the anterior cruciate ligament, one of the major ligaments in the knee, is stretched beyond its capacity or ruptures completely.

The ACL connects the thigh bone (femur) to the shin bone (tibia) and prevents excessive forward movement and rotational instability of the knee.

ACL injuries are commonly classified as:

Grade 1 ACL Injury

A mild sprain where the ligament is stretched but remains intact.

Grade 2 ACL Injury

A partial tear of the ligament resulting in moderate instability.

Grade 3 ACL Tear

A complete tear of the ligament causing significant knee instability and loss of function.

Acl-TearAcl-Tear
Treatment Information Details

Disease name

ACL Tear

Surgery name

ACL Reconstruction

Duration

2 Hours

Treated by

Orthopedic Surgeon
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What Causes an ACL Tear?

ACL injuries often occur during sports and physical activities involving sudden movements.

Common causes include:

  • Sudden change in direction while running
  • Pivoting movements
  • Incorrect landing after a jump
  • Direct impact to the knee
  • Sudden stopping while running
  • Sports related injuries in football, basketball, cricket,
  • volleyball, and skiing

Women may have a slightly higher risk of ACL injuries due to anatomical and biomechanical differences.

Are you going through any of these symptoms?

What Does an ACL Tear Feel Like?

Many patients describe experiencing:

  • A popping sensation in the knee
  • Immediate sharp pain
  • Sudden swelling within a few hours
  • Knee instability or buckling
  • Difficulty walking
  • Inability to continue sports activity

The severity of symptoms varies depending on whether the ACL is partially or completely torn.

ACL Tear Symptoms

Common symptoms of a torn ACL include:

  • Sudden knee pain
  • A popping sound at the time of injury
  • Rapid swelling of the knee
  • Knee instability
  • Difficulty bearing weight
  • Reduced range of motion
  • Feeling that the knee may give way
  • Pain during twisting or pivoting movements

Persistent instability after an injury often indicates a significant ACL ligament tear.

 

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Can You Walk with a Torn ACL?

Yes, some people can walk after an ACL tear, especially if swelling is mild and surrounding muscles compensate for the injury.

However, walking does not mean the ligament is functioning normally. Many patients experience:

  • Knee buckling
  • Instability while turning
  • Difficulty with stairs
  • Reduced confidence during movement

Professional evaluation is important even if walking is possible.

How Is an ACL Tear Diagnosed?

Early diagnosis helps determine the best treatment plan and prevents additional knee damage.

Physical Examination

An orthopedic specialist performs stability tests such as:

  • Lachman Test
  • Anterior Drawer Test
  • Pivot Shift Test
  • Imaging Tests

MRI Scan

MRI is the gold standard for diagnosing ACL tears and identifying associated injuries.

X-Ray

X-rays help rule out fractures and bone injuries.

Ultrasound

May occasionally be used to evaluate soft tissue injuries.

ACL Tear Treatment Options

Treatment depends on:

  • Severity of the injury
  • Patient age
  • Activity level
  • Occupational requirements
  • Presence of associated meniscus or cartilage injuries

ACL Tear Treatment Without Surgery

Non-surgical treatment may be suitable for:

  • Partial ACL tears
  • Less active individuals
  • Patients without significant knee instability

Conservative treatment may include:

  • Rest and activity modification
  • Ice therapy
  • Compression and elevation
  • Physiotherapy
  • Strengthening exercises
  • Knee braces

Many patients can regain functional mobility through rehabilitation alone.

Do I Need Surgery for an ACL Tear?

ACL reconstruction surgery may be recommended if:

  • The ACL is completely torn
  • The knee remains unstable
  • You participate in sports involving pivoting or jumping
  • There are associated meniscus injuries
  • Conservative treatment fails

The decision is individualized based on clinical evaluation and lifestyle goals.

What is ACL Reconstruction Surgery?

ACL reconstruction is a surgical procedure that replaces the torn ACL with a graft to restore knee stability.

Modern ACL surgery is typically performed using minimally invasive arthroscopic techniques.

Arthroscopic ACL Reconstruction

During surgery:

  1. Small incisions are made around the knee.
  2. An arthroscope (camera) is inserted.
  3. The damaged ACL is removed.
  4. A graft is positioned to replace the torn ligament.
  5. The graft is secured using specialized fixation devices.

Types of ACL Grafts

Patellar Tendon Graft

Uses a portion of the patient’s patellar tendon.

Hamstring Tendon Graft

Uses tendons from the hamstring muscles.

Quadriceps Tendon Graft

Uses tissue from the quadriceps tendon.

Allograft

Uses donor tissue from a tissue bank.

The most suitable graft depends on patient-specific factors and surgeon recommendations.

Single-Bundle vs Double-Bundle ACL Reconstruction

Advanced ACL reconstruction techniques may include:

Single-Bundle Reconstruction

The most commonly performed procedure with excellent outcomes.

Double-Bundle Reconstruction

Designed to replicate natural ACL anatomy more closely in selected cases

ACL Surgery Success Rate

ACL reconstruction surgery has a high success rate when performed by experienced orthopedic surgeons.

Studies show:

  • Most patients regain knee stability
  • Many return to sports and physical activities
  • Long term outcomes are generally excellent
  • Success rates often exceed 85 to 95% in appropriately selected patients

Rehabilitation plays a crucial role in achieving optimal results.

ACL Reconstruction Recovery Timeline

Recovery occurs gradually over several months.

First 2 Weeks

  • Pain and swelling decrease
  • Walking with support may begin
  • Early physiotherapy starts

Weeks 3 to 6

  • Improved range of motion
  • Strengthening exercises begin
  • Walking becomes easier

Months 2 to 4

  • Progressive muscle strengthening
  • Improved balance and stability
  • Return to light activities

Months 4 to 6

  • Advanced rehabilitation
  • Sport-specific training may begin

Months 6 to 12

  • Return to competitive sports based on functional assessment and surgeon clearance

How Long Does It Take to Recover from ACL Surgery?

Most patients resume normal daily activities within 6 to 12 weeks.

Complete recovery and safe return to sports typically require:

  • 6 to 9 months for recreational athletes
  • 9 to 12 months for competitive athletes

Recovery duration varies depending on healing, rehabilitation adherence, and associated injuries.

When Can I Return to Sports After ACL Surgery?

Return to sports depends on:

  • Knee stability
  • Strength restoration
  • Functional testing results
  • Surgeon clearance

Returning too early increases the risk of reinjury. Most athletes return to sports between 9 and 12 months after surgery.

Risks and Complications of ACL Surgery

Although ACL reconstruction is generally safe, potential complications include:

  • Infection
  • Blood clots
  • Knee stiffness
  • Persistent pain
  • Graft failure
  • Recurrent instability
  • Limited range of motion
  • Reinjury during recovery

Choosing an experienced orthopedic surgeon and following rehabilitation protocols significantly reduces these risks.

ACL Surgery Cost in India

ACL surgery cost in India varies depending on:

  • City and hospital
  • Surgeon’s expertise
  • Type of graft used
  • Arthroscopic equipment
  • Hospital stay
  • Rehabilitation requirements

Most hospitals provide customized treatment plans after evaluation and imaging studies.

How to Choose the Best Doctor for ACL Tear Surgery?

When selecting an orthopedic surgeon, consider:

  • Experience in arthroscopic ACL reconstruction
  • Number of ACL surgeries performed
  • Hospital infrastructure
  • Rehabilitation support
  • Patient outcomes and success rates

Early consultation can help prevent long term knee instability and secondary joint damage.

Life After ACL Reconstruction

Most patients return to an active lifestyle following successful ACL reconstruction and rehabilitation.

Long-term benefits include:

  • Improved knee stability
  • Better athletic performance
  • Reduced risk of recurrent knee giving way
  • Enhanced confidence during physical activities
  • Improved quality of life

Maintaining strength, flexibility, and proper training techniques helps protect the reconstructed ligament.

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FAQs about ACL Surgery

Can a torn ACL heal on its own?

A complete ACL tear generally does not heal on its own because the ligament has limited blood supply. Partial tears may improve with rehabilitation, but complete tears often require reconstruction in active individuals.

What are the symptoms of a torn ACL?

Common symptoms include a popping sensation, knee pain, swelling, instability, difficulty walking, and reduced range of motion.

Can we walk with a torn ACL?

Many people can walk after an ACL injury, but the knee often feels unstable and may buckle during movement.

Do I need surgery for an ACL tear?

Not every ACL tear requires surgery. Treatment depends on the severity of the injury, activity level, and degree of instability.

How is an ACL tear diagnosed?

Diagnosis involves physical examination, knee stability tests, and MRI imaging to confirm the extent of ligament damage.

What causes an ACL tear?

ACL tears commonly occur due to sudden twisting, pivoting, jumping, awkward landings, or direct trauma to the knee.

What is arthroscopic ACL reconstruction?

It is a minimally invasive surgical procedure that uses a camera and specialized instruments to reconstruct the torn ACL through small incisions.

How long does it take to recover from ACL surgery?

Most patients require 6 to 12 months for complete recovery and return to sports.

When can I return to sports after ACL surgery?

Athletes generally return to sports between 9 and 12 months after surgery, depending on rehabilitation progress and functional testing.

What is the success rate of ACL reconstruction surgery?

ACL reconstruction has a high success rate, with most patients regaining knee stability and returning to physical activities successfully.

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MEDICALLY REVIEWED CONTENT

Dr. Manu Bora and Team
Dr. Manu Bora and Team
MBBS, MS-Orthopedics
20 yrs experience
Pristyn Care Team
Pristyn Care Team
Healthcare Expert
Peer reviewed · June 23, 2026

What Our Patients Say

Based on 82 Recommendations | Rated 4.9 Out of 5
  • JK

    Junaid Khan

    verified
    5/5

    Got my acl surgery done by Dr, Bora, amazing doctor. Started walking after so long.

    City : Gurgaon
  • KA

    Kaandi

    verified
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    Badiya treetment hua!

    City : Delhi
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    Ramamurthy S, 71 Yrs

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    Right from the conversation until the drop back to home, everything has been absolute professional. Thank you Pristyn care

    City : Gurgaon
  • TR

    Tanishq Rao

    verified
    4/5

    Had a ligament tear and was operated here. The orthopedic team was highly skilled. Rehab support was excellent too

    City : Delhi
  • DA

    Divya Agarwal

    verified
    4/5

    The ortho department at Diyos is truly impressive. Got my ACL tear fixed and I’m already jogging again. Delhi needed a place like this.

    City : Delhi
  • PA

    Prakash Agarwal

    verified
    4/5

    My ACL tear felt like the end of the world, but Diyos helped me get back on my feet—literally.

    City : Delhi

Symptoms of Anterior Cruciate Ligament ACL Tear