Frequently Asked Questions – ACL Injury & ACL Reconstruction

ACL injuries are common in sports that involve pivoting and sudden direction changes. These FAQs explain how ACL tears are diagnosed, when reconstruction is recommended, and what recovery involves.

Answers below are for education and do not replace a personal orthopaedic consultation.

The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is one of the major stabilising ligaments inside the knee. An ACL tear can cause instability, particularly during pivoting, running and sudden changes of direction.

ACL injuries commonly occur during sudden stopping, changing direction, landing awkwardly, twisting the knee or during contact sports.

Common symptoms include a popping sensation, rapid knee swelling, pain, restricted movement and a feeling that the knee is giving way.

Yes. Some people can walk relatively comfortably after the initial injury. However, walking normally does not necessarily mean that the knee is stable.

Diagnosis involves a detailed history and clinical examination. X-rays may be used to assess the bones, while MRI can confirm the ACL injury and identify associated meniscus, cartilage or ligament injuries.

No. Treatment depends on age, activity level, knee stability, associated injuries, occupation and individual goals. Some lower-demand patients can be successfully managed without reconstruction.

Reconstruction is commonly considered for active patients with symptomatic instability, athletes who want to return to pivoting sports, or patients with associated injuries that require surgical treatment.

ACL reconstruction replaces the torn ACL with a graft, usually using tissue from the patient's own body or, in selected situations, donor tissue.

Common autograft options include patellar tendon, hamstring tendon and quadriceps tendon grafts. The appropriate graft depends on age, activity, sport, anatomy and surgeon-patient discussion.

Yes. ACL reconstruction is usually performed using minimally invasive arthroscopic techniques through small incisions around the knee.

A completely torn ACL has limited ability to heal reliably in its original position. Some patients can function well without reconstruction, but persistent instability may require surgery.

The timing depends on symptoms, activity and associated injuries. Delaying surgery may be appropriate in selected patients, but recurrent instability can increase the risk of additional meniscus or cartilage damage.

Often, yes. Preoperative physiotherapy can help reduce swelling, restore knee movement and improve muscle control before reconstruction.

Recovery is gradual and rehabilitation is usually measured in months rather than weeks. Return to sport depends on strength, movement quality, stability and functional testing rather than time alone.

Many patients can begin walking soon after surgery, often with support initially. Weight-bearing instructions may change depending on associated meniscus or cartilage procedures.

Running is introduced only after adequate healing, knee movement, strength and neuromuscular control have been achieved. The exact timing varies between patients.

Return to sport should be criteria-based and guided by rehabilitation progress, strength symmetry, movement control and sport-specific testing. It commonly takes several months.

Yes. Graft failure or a new ACL injury can occur. Appropriate rehabilitation, strength training and gradual return to sport can help reduce risk.

Yes. ACL injuries can occur together with meniscal, cartilage or other ligament injuries. MRI is useful for identifying associated injuries.

Some people can return to lower-demand activities without surgery, but sports involving cutting, pivoting and rapid direction changes may remain difficult if the knee is unstable.

If knee pain, instability or swelling is affecting your daily life, book a consultation with Dr. Tushar Nayak for a personalised assessment and treatment plan.