ACL Reconstruction
A torn ACL doesn't have to end your sporting career. We perform arthroscopic ACL reconstruction using anatomic techniques and evidence-based return-to-sport protocols — so you get back to the game, not just back to walking.
Request a Remote ReviewWhat to expect
The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is the primary stabiliser of the knee. When torn — typically during sport — it does not heal on its own. Reconstruction involves replacing the torn ligament with a graft, restoring stability and allowing return to pivoting and cutting activities.
Dr. Vishnu performs all ACL reconstructions arthroscopically (keyhole), using autograft tissue (hamstring or bone-patellar tendon-bone) and anatomic tunnel placement. The surgery is combined with a structured rehabilitation protocol designed around your sport and activity level.
"ACL injury is a serious but very treatable problem. The outcome depends not just on the surgery, but on the rehabilitation programme you commit to. We plan both — the procedure and the road back to sport."
Typical Timeline for International Patients
- Day 1: Arrival, clinical assessment, and MRI confirmation (if not already done)
- Day 2: Arthroscopic ACL reconstruction (60–90 minutes)
- Day 3–4: Early mobilization, physiotherapy initiation, brace fitting
- Day 5–7: Discharge and Fit-to-Fly clearance
- Week 2, 6, 12: Video follow-up — progression through rehab milestones
Return-to-Sport Protocol
We don't just reconstruct the ligament — we plan your return. You receive a phased rehabilitation programme with objective milestones (strength testing, hop tests, agility benchmarks) before clearance for full sporting activity, typically at 9–12 months. Video follow-ups ensure you stay on track from home.
What happens month by month after ACL reconstruction?
Dr. Vishnu's complete recovery guide — from protecting the graft in Month 1 through returning to competitive sport at 9–12 months.
Read the GuideAt a Glance
Who needs ACL reconstruction?
Athletes & Active Patients
Anyone who wants to return to pivoting, cutting, or jumping sports — football, basketball, tennis, martial arts
Recurrent Instability
Knee giving way during daily activities, stairs, or uneven ground despite physiotherapy
Combined Ligament Injuries
ACL tear with meniscal damage, MCL injury, or posterolateral corner involvement
Failed Prior Reconstruction
Revision ACL surgery for graft failure, tunnel malposition, or re-rupture
Long Waiting Lists Abroad
Delayed reconstruction risks meniscal damage and early arthritis — time matters
Young & Active Patients
Especially important in patients under 30 to prevent secondary cartilage and meniscal damage
Aster MIMS Kannur
A NABH-accredited tertiary care hospital with dedicated orthopedic infrastructure — purpose-built modular theatres, advanced imaging, and a specialist multidisciplinary team. Located in North Kerala, 20 minutes from Kannur International Airport, with direct flights from Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Doha, and Muscat.
Modular Operating Theatres
Laminar airflow OTs with positive-pressure ventilation — engineered to minimise infection risk in implant and arthroscopic surgery
Advanced Imaging Suite
In-house MRI, CT, and digital X-ray for same-day pre-operative planning and implant templating
Orthopaedic Rehabilitation Unit
Specialist physiotherapy team beginning structured mobilisation within 24 hours of surgery
International Patient Services
English-speaking coordinators for visa letters, airport transfers, accommodation, and complete discharge planning
ICU & Critical Care
Full intensive care support on-site — essential for complex revision and high-risk anaesthetic cases
The road back to your sport
A milestone-based timeline — from day of surgery to full return to sport — so you can plan with confidence.
Assessment & Surgery
MRI review and graft selection on Day 1. Arthroscopic reconstruction on Day 2 — 60 to 90 minutes. All concomitant injuries (meniscal tears, loose bodies) addressed in the same sitting.
Early Mobilisation
Physiotherapy begins the morning after surgery — straight leg raises, quad activation, and full weight-bearing in the brace. Swelling management and extension exercises. Crutches used for comfort, not dependency.
Fit to Fly
Written fit-to-fly clearance, brace prescription, home exercise programme, and physiotherapy protocol for your local therapist. DVT prophylaxis explained. Emergency contact details for your home doctor provided.
Strength Building
Focus on regaining full range of motion and quadriceps/hamstring strength. Walking normally by 2–3 weeks. Cycling and swimming by 6 weeks. Video follow-ups at 2, 6, and 12 weeks keep you on track from home.
Sport-Specific Prep
Agility drills, plyometrics, and sport-specific movements. Objective clearance criteria — limb symmetry index, hop tests — used before return-to-contact sport. Full return typically at 9–12 months for contact sports.
Ready to get back in the game?
Send your MRI and clinical details. Dr. Vishnu's team will respond with a surgery and rehab plan within 24 hours.
What international patients ask before booking
Every question matters. These are the ones that come up most often.
Not all ACL tears require surgery. The decision depends on your activity level, degree of instability, associated injuries, and age. Sedentary patients who are willing to modify activities sometimes do well without reconstruction. However, if you want to return to pivoting and cutting sports, or if your knee gives way during daily activities, surgery is almost always recommended — particularly in younger patients where delayed reconstruction increases the risk of meniscal and cartilage damage.
Both are well-established and produce excellent results. Hamstring (gracilis and semitendinosus) is the most commonly used — good strength, minimal donor site pain, and reliable outcomes. Bone-patellar tendon-bone (BPTB) is the classic "gold standard" for high-demand contact athletes and revision cases due to its bone-to-bone healing and high initial tensile strength. The choice is made at your case review based on your anatomy, sport, and any prior surgery.
Costs depend on graft type, whether any associated injuries require simultaneous treatment (meniscal repair or partial meniscectomy, for example), and length of stay. International patients typically save 65–80% compared to UK, US, or Australian private fees. Submit your case using the form below and you will receive a written estimate within 24 hours, including surgery, hospital stay, and implant costs.
Yes — this is the standard pathway for international patients. You are discharged with a comprehensive, phased rehabilitation programme formatted for your local physiotherapist. Video follow-ups at Weeks 2, 6, and 12 allow Dr. Vishnu's team to monitor progress and progress you through the protocol. As long as you have access to a physiotherapist at home, the full recovery can be managed remotely.
Yes. Revision ACL surgery is more complex than a primary reconstruction — it involves assessing tunnel position, graft incorporation, residual instability, and any associated meniscal or cartilage damage. In some cases a staged procedure is needed if the tunnels require grafting before the revision. Please send your operative note from the original surgery, current MRI, and AP + lateral X-rays for a pre-operative assessment.
Minimum stay is 7–8 days: one day for assessment, one day for surgery, 2–3 days hospital stay, then 2–3 days outpatient physiotherapy before discharge. Fit-to-fly clearance is given at Day 5–7. Most patients fly home between Day 7 and Day 10. The full recovery continues at home — you are not required to remain in India beyond the first week.
Request Your Personalized Surgery Plan
Share your details and medical reports. Our international patient team will respond within 24 hours.
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Your records and case details are handled privately and used solely for the purpose of this evaluation.