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Kannur, Kerala

ACL Reconstruction Surgery in Kannur

Arthroscopic ACL reconstruction at Aster MIMS Kannur by Dr. Vishnu Baburaj, PGI-trained orthopaedic and sports injury surgeon. Hamstring and quadriceps tendon autografts. Structured return-to-sport rehabilitation.

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Why Patients Choose Aster MIMS for ACL Surgery

Expert arthroscopic surgery with a structured rehabilitation programme, right here in Kannur.

PGI-Trained Surgeon

Dr. Vishnu Baburaj was trained in arthroscopic surgery at PGIMER Chandigarh, one of India's highest-volume centres for sports injuries and ligament reconstruction.

Fully Arthroscopic

All ACL reconstructions are performed through small keyhole incisions using an HD camera system. This means less pain, minimal scarring, and faster recovery.

Structured Rehab Protocol

A milestone-based rehabilitation programme guides you from surgery through return to sport. Each phase has clear goals, exercises, and progression criteria.

Understanding ACL Injuries

The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is one of the key stabilising ligaments of the knee.

How ACL Tears Happen

ACL injuries commonly occur during sports that involve sudden stops, direction changes, or landing from jumps, football, basketball, volleyball, kabaddi, and badminton. A twisting injury to the knee with the foot planted is the classic mechanism. ACL tears also occur in road traffic accidents and falls.

Symptoms of an ACL Tear

A popping sensation at the time of injury, rapid swelling within hours, inability to continue playing, and a feeling of the knee "giving way" during walking or turning. If you experience these symptoms, see an orthopaedic surgeon promptly, early assessment prevents further damage.

Why Surgery Is Important

An ACL-deficient knee is unstable. Without reconstruction, repeated episodes of giving way can damage the meniscus (shock absorber) and articular cartilage, leading to early arthritis. Reconstruction restores stability and protects the knee from further injury.

What to Expect

Your ACL reconstruction journey at Aster MIMS Kannur.

1

Diagnosis & MRI

Dr. Vishnu Baburaj performs clinical tests to assess knee stability and orders an MRI to confirm the ACL tear and check for associated injuries (meniscal tears, cartilage damage, other ligament injuries). Treatment options, surgical and non-surgical, are discussed.

2

Pre-operative Physiotherapy

Before surgery, you work on reducing swelling, restoring full knee extension, and building quadriceps strength. This "prehabilitation" phase typically takes 2-4 weeks and leads to better surgical outcomes.

3

Surgery

The procedure takes approximately 60-90 minutes under spinal anaesthesia. The torn ACL is replaced with a graft (usually hamstring tendon from the same knee). Tunnels are drilled in the thighbone and shinbone, and the graft is secured with specialised fixation devices. Any meniscal tears are repaired at the same time.

4

Rehabilitation

Structured physiotherapy begins within days of surgery. The rehabilitation protocol is divided into phases with specific goals: regain full range of motion (weeks 1-6), build strength (weeks 6-16), functional training (months 4-6), and sport-specific training (months 6-9). Each phase has clear criteria before progressing.

5

Return to Sport

Return-to-sport clearance is based on functional testing, not just time since surgery. Most athletes return to full competitive sport between 9 and 12 months. Dr. Vishnu Baburaj uses objective criteria including single-leg hop tests and quadriceps strength measurements to decide readiness.

Full Procedure Guide

ACL Reconstruction Surgery

Candidacy, the surgical journey, recovery timeline, cost, and booking.

Sports Injury Care in North Kerala

Kannur district has a thriving sports culture, football (sevens and elevens), volleyball, kabaddi, athletics, and martial arts. ACL injuries are common in these high-demand sports. At Aster MIMS Kannur, athletes from across North Kerala and Coorg receive the same standard of arthroscopic surgery and rehabilitation available at major sports medicine centres in metro cities.

Patients from Thalassery, Payyannur, Taliparamba, Kasaragod, Wayanad, and Mangalore regularly visit for ACL surgery.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about ACL surgery in Kannur.

The cost of arthroscopic ACL reconstruction at Aster MIMS Kannur depends on the graft type (hamstring autograft, quadriceps tendon, or allograft) and fixation devices used. Most major insurance policies cover ACL reconstruction. Contact us at +91-497-353-8000 for a personalised estimate.
Return to desk work is typically possible within 2-3 weeks. Walking without crutches takes 4-6 weeks. Return to light sports begins at 4-6 months after structured rehabilitation. Full return to competitive or contact sports requires 9-12 months and clearance from Dr. Vishnu Baburaj based on clinical and functional testing.
Yes. All ACL reconstructions at Aster MIMS Kannur are performed arthroscopically, using a camera and small incisions rather than open surgery. This results in less pain, smaller scars, and faster recovery. Dr. Vishnu Baburaj has extensive experience in arthroscopic knee surgery from his training at PGIMER Chandigarh.
The most common graft is a hamstring tendon autograft (your own semitendinosus and gracilis tendons). Quadriceps tendon autograft is another excellent option, particularly for revision surgery. Dr. Vishnu Baburaj discusses the best graft choice for your specific situation during consultation.
A completely torn ACL does not heal on its own. Some patients with partial tears or low activity demands may manage without surgery using physiotherapy and activity modification. However, for active individuals, athletes, and anyone with knee instability (giving way), ACL reconstruction is strongly recommended to prevent further damage to the meniscus and cartilage.
ACL reconstruction is usually performed 2-4 weeks after the injury, once the initial swelling has settled and knee movement has been restored with pre-operative physiotherapy. Delayed surgery does not affect the outcome, but prolonged instability can cause additional meniscal or cartilage damage. Early consultation is recommended.

Torn Your ACL? Get Expert Care in Kannur

Book a consultation with Dr. Vishnu Baburaj at Aster MIMS Kannur. Bring your MRI, we will give you an honest assessment and a clear plan.

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Aster MIMS Hospital, Chala, Kannur, Kerala 670621 • Helpline: +91-497-353-8000

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