ACL Reconstruction Surgery in London

Anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction, also called ACL reconstruction/ repair surgery, is an orthopaedic procedure that replaces the anterior cruciate ligament in the knee. This tendon is the most likely ligament in the knee to be damaged, and this is a common knee injury that often occurs while playing sports or other high-impact activities.

Tears or ruptures of the ACL often happen as a result of:

• Poor landing after jumping (especially if the leg is straightened)
• Stopping suddenly
• Changing direction suddenly
• A blow to the knee (often from the front)

Younger and generally healthy patients with no significant medical conditions make the best candidates for ACL reconstruction.

It is important that there is no swelling in the knee when a patient has ACL reconstruction surgery. Physiotherapy may help reduce swelling while also strengthening the muscles around the knee and improving the range of motion. Both of these factors can improve the outcome of surgery and reduce recovery times.

Many patients are able to return home the same day as their surgery; however, some may need to stay overnight in the hospital. A mobility aid like crutches may be needed to move around in the first few days after ACL reconstruction surgery. Patients are usually cautioned to only bear their full weight on the knee in the week after surgery if it is comfortable and does not cause any pain. The first few days will also call for rest, elevation, compression, ice and the potential use of a knee brace.

Patients should expect a recovery time of between 6 and 12 months.

ACL Reconstruction Surgery in London will typically cost around £5700. This figure can change slightly depending on a number of factors, including the complexity of the individual case, the addition of any combined procedures or a patient's medical history. These are factors that would be discussed during the consultation with an orthopaedic surgeon, after which a bespoke price can be offered. Once the price has been agreed upon, there will be no hidden fees or extra costs. The final price includes the following:

• All fees related to your hospital stay
  • Accommodation (if needed)
  • Nursing care
  • Surgical theatre fees
  • Physiotherapy
  • Imaging costs
  • Medication
  • Pathology
• Aftercare
  • Seven days' worth of any medications prescribed by your surgeon
  • A standard mobility aid like crutches or a cane
  • Ten post-operative physiotherapy sessions
  • One post-operative X-ray
  • Post-operative appointments with your surgeon

The consultation with an orthopaedic specialist can last up to an hour. It is one of the most important steps of a patient journey. It offers the opportunity for the patient and the surgeon to become acquainted and for the patient to feel at ease moving forward with their treatment. During the consultation, the patient and surgeon will discuss a number of topics relating to surgery, including:

• Expectations and realistic outcomes from surgery
• Medical history and overall health of the patient
• Recovery and aftercare information

The consultation will also include

• a physical examination
• imaging of the knee (if required)

Patients should listen to the surgeon's pre-op and post-op instructions and follow all aftercare advice as closely as possible to maximise the treatment results. Whether a patient may read online or hear from elsewhere, the surgeon's advice should always be considered more reliable. They know the patient's specific case and may create a unique and personalised pre- and post-op plan for each patient.

The consultation is an opportunity for a patient to get informed of all matters relating to the surgery. But it also allows the patient to meet the surgeon and build a relationship with them. It will enable the patient to have their voice heard and resolve any queries and questions they may still have about the surgery itself, pre-op or post-op requirements and aftercare. Patients should always make efforts to communicate clearly at every stage of the process and ask any questions to ensure they are only committing to surgery when they feel informed about every stage.

It can be challenging to make the right decision when choosing which surgeon or hospital you entrust with your journey. Learning about surgical techniques and the risk of surgery can be overwhelming, but we are here to make that journey simple, transparent and stress-free. When you sign-up with Medbelle, you will be contacted by one of our Patient Care Advisers (PCA); they will be your personal guide through the process from beginning to end. They will take care of all the appointment scheduling, keep you updated at every turn and support you with anything you need.

The first step is a call with one of our Patient Care Advisers. This is an opportunity to explain why you would like or why you need ACL Reconstruction Surgery. You will hear more about the procedure and the prices and also learn about our locations and surgeons.

During this call, you will have the opportunity to book a consultation with the surgeon who is the best match for you. The surgeon consultation costs £245. Your PCA will check in with you in the lead-up to your consultation to ensure that you are prepared. You will also receive pre-consultation leaflets with helpful information about what to expect moving forward.

Your Patient Care Adviser will check in with you post-consultation to see how it went. The treatment date and final price will be offered shortly after this by your PCA.

This varies on your abilities before the injury and the type of surgery you had, however typically, it will take at least six months to return to sports.

That will depend on the type of surgery and where the graft was taken from. For an open technique, the scar will run down the front of the knee and tibia; for an arthroscopic procedure, there will be multiple small incisions (about 1 cm) around the knee. There will be an additional scar if the graft is removed from somewhere on the leg other than the knee. Your surgeon will give you advice on how to minimise scarring.

You may need to take between 2 weeks and 3 months off work depending on your profession.

You will be advised to wear a protective cuffed plastic cover on your leg to help you shower until the wounds are fully healed. It may not be possible to use the bath until your wounds are fully healed unless you are able to keep your leg out of the water and at a safe and appropriate angle.

Some people are able to go home the same day, others may need to stay in hospital for at least a night.

As you will be unable to bear weight on your knee and will be using a mobility aid, like crutches, and potentially wearing a brace, taking care of pets and especially small children will be challenging as you recover. You will also not be able to drive for a portion of your recovery. Arranging for friends or family to help you care for your dependents will be necessary.

All of the information found on our website is sourced from highly reputable experts, government-approved authorities and is widely used by healthcare professionals.

• https://www.medbelle.com/knee-surgery/anterior-cruciate-ligament-acl-reconstruction/ Medbelle
• Uptodate.com Up to Date
• https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/knee-ligament-surgery/ NHS

Our content is written by our Medical Quality Managers and Patient Care Advisers, all of who have medical backgrounds and training. Prior to publishing, all the information is reviewed by a surgeon specialised within the relevant field.