Choose the right path for your individual needs.
At Practice Plus Group we offer fast access to high-quality ACL surgery and treatment via self-pay, insured and NHS routes.
| Procedure | Price |
|---|---|
| Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) | £6699 |
| Procedure | Price |
|---|---|
| Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) | £6699 |
| Procedure | Price |
|---|---|
| Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) | £6699 |
| Procedure | Price |
|---|---|
| Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) | £6699 |
| Procedure | Price |
|---|---|
| Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) | £6699 |
| Procedure | Price |
|---|---|
| Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) | £6699 |
| Procedure | Price |
|---|---|
| Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) | £6699 |
| Procedure | Price |
|---|---|
| Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) | £6699 |
| Procedure | Price |
|---|---|
| Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) | £6699 |
| Procedure | Price |
|---|---|
| Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) | £6699 |
| Procedure | Price |
|---|---|
| Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) | £6699 |
| Procedure | Price |
|---|---|
| Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) | £6699 |
If you have experienced a torn anterior cruciate ligament in your knee, your doctor may recommend ACL knee reconstruction surgery to help restore your knee’s stability and function. We take a look at what that means for you, how you can prepare for the procedure, and how long it could take to recover.
The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is one of the ligaments inside your knee – it joins your thigh bone (femur) to the front of your shin bone (tibia).
ACL knee reconstruction is a surgical procedure that involves replacing your torn ligament with a tissue graft. If successful, the surgery allows you to return to your normal everyday activities.
The surgery is performed using minimally invasive techniques to reduce scarring and bruising. The graft is usually taken from elsewhere on the patient’s body, such as the hamstring or patellar tendon. The harvested ligament is then secured to the bone using screws or other fixation devices.
The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) provides stability and helps prevent excessive movement or rotation of the knee. When the ACL is torn or damaged, it can cause instability, pain, and difficulty with activities that require twisting or pivoting movements.
ACL knee reconstruction surgery is often required when the torn ligament results in instability of the knee. The aim of this procedure is to restore stability to the knee joint and improve overall function and mobility. Without surgical intervention, an ACL tear can lead to long-term instability, an increased risk of knee arthritis, and a reduction in the ability to participate in physical activities.
There are several different techniques used in ACL knee reconstruction surgery, including autografts and allografts. Autografts involve using tissue from the patient’s body, while allografts use tissue from a donor. 95% of all ACL surgeries are autografts.
Knee replacement surgery involves replacing the entire knee joint, while knee reconstruction surgery involves replacing damaged soft tissue within the knee (such as the ACL, PCL and MCL ligaments amongst others). Knee replacement is a much more complex procedure and requires a lengthy recovery period.
ACL injuries in the knee are typically caused by sudden twisting or hyperextension of the knee joint. They’re most likely to occur when playing sport or during physical activity. Other causes may include a direct blow to the knee, landing awkwardly after a jump, or a sudden stop or change in direction.
If you are experiencing symptoms such as instability, pain, and difficulty with physical activities, your doctor will first recommend an MRI scan to investigate and confirm. Surgical treatment may then be required to help restore knee function and stability.
Before ACL knee reconstruction surgery, it is important to prepare yourself mentally and physically. You should also ensure you have a support system in place to help during your recovery. You should also ask your consultant about pre-surgery exercises to strengthen your quads and hamstrings.
ACL reconstruction surgery is performed using minimally invasive knee arthroscopic techniques. This involves a combination of fibre optics, small incisions and small instruments For a tissue graft, a larger incision is required.
Before ACL surgery you should try to avoid the following:
Before ACL knee reconstruction surgery, it’s likely you’ll have plenty of questions. Here’s a list of some you might want to consider posing to your orthopaedic surgeon when you get the opportunity:
As with any surgery, there are potential risks associated with an anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction operation. These may include:
The cost of ACL knee reconstruction surgery varies depending on a number of factors. These include the severity of the injury, the location of the hospital, and the chosen healthcare provider. In the UK, the price range for having the procedure privately can be up to £8,500. ACL surgery at Practice Plus Group costs £6,699 and is available to self-pay and insured patients.
As with any major surgery, the recovery process from an ACL operation can take several months. This will likely involve physical therapy to build your muscle strength, rest, and a gradual increase in your activity levels.
The recovery time for an ACL injury typically takes between three months to a year and varies due to the following:
The recovery time for knee ligament surgery can vary depending on the specific type of surgery and how quickly your wound heals. Generally speaking, patients can expect to return to everyday activities after around six weeks after the operation.
You’ll be encouraged to continue with activities such as cycling and swimming but should avoid sports that involve a lot of twisting, jumping or contact.
Following ACL surgery, your doctor or physical therapist may recommend a range of exercises designed to help you regain movement while strengthening your knee. Some examples of these exercises include:
It’s important to stop if you feel pain during any of these exercises.
Private ACL reconstruction is available at the following Practice Plus Group locations:
There are 3 ways to access partial hip replacement treatment at Practice Plus Group:
At Practice Plus Group Hospitals, we’re passionate about giving patients a positive experience and excellent clinical outcomes, with personalised care every step of the way. Whether you’re paying for yourself or using private medical insurance, with our short waiting times, unrivalled Care Quality Commission (CQC) ratings and high levels of cleanliness and infection control, we’ll make sure you’re looked after.
In fact, we were the first provider to have all services rated ‘Good’ or ‘Outstanding’ by the CQC.
Not quite found what you’re looking for? Take a look at our dedicated ACL surgery FAQs for more information.
Yes. ACL knee reconstruction surgery is considered a major procedure and requires a significant recovery period.
There may be some discomfort or pain after ACL knee reconstruction surgery. Your doctor can provide pain management options to help manage your discomfort.
ACL knee reconstruction surgery typically takes between one and two hours.
If your ACL tear is left untreated, you run the risk of a lengthy and potentially unsuccessful healing process. Your doctor may recommend surgery as the best course of action.
Without surgery, an ACL tear may result in long-term instability and a higher risk of re-injury. You may also experience decreased mobility and, as a consequence, poorer quality of life.
Following surgery, it takes time for your wound to heal. During the healing process, the new ligament has a higher risk of rupturing which may occur if strain is placed on your knee that the graft cannot tolerate.
Wearing a knee brace after ACL surgery can protect the graft as it is healing. The brace helps to control the motion of your knee and limit the range of motion around your knee during your recovery period. Your consultant will be able to advise if a brace is required.
Some discomfort after ACL knee reconstruction surgery is normal. Your doctor can provide medication to help manage this.
After ACL knee reconstruction surgery, it may take several weeks before you are able to walk without crutches. The exact timeline will vary depending on your individual healing process.
You won’t be ready to drive until around six weeks after your operation. The exception to this rule is if you’ve had ACL reconstruction on your left knee and drive an automatic car. In this case, you should be able to drive after three weeks.
It’s important to follow your doctor’s recommendations and ensure that you are able to safely operate a vehicle.
This depends on the type of work you do. If you work a desk job, you might be able to return after a couple of weeks. Manual or more active jobs may require a longer healing time and it may take up to three months before you can return.
Playing sport again may take several months, in some cases up to a year. Your return will depend on the type of sport you play. Talk to your doctor or physiotherapist about returning to playing sport safely.
Affordable options for funding your own treatment.
With our option of paying for yourself you’ll get high quality, consultant-delivered care without the unnecessary extras. It’s excellent value for money, with no compromise on clinical outcomes.
Hassle free treatment for patients with private medical insurance.
Whether you have your own private health insurance or are covered through your employer, receive expert hospital treatment at Practice Plus Group.
Free high quality healthcare with short waiting times.
Did you know you can choose where you have your free NHS hospital treatment? If you or a loved one needs to see an NHS specialist, you can choose to access Practice Plus Group Hospitals as an NHS patient.
You’ll find a wealth of information in our knowledge hub.
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