✦ Knee Stability Restoration

ACL & PCL Reconstruction

Q: Which tendon graft gives the best result for ACL reconstruction?

Both hamstring and patellar tendon grafts produce excellent stability. The decision is based on the patient's age, sport type, thigh muscle mass, and whether previous surgeries have already harvested one of these tendons. Dr. Sai Kishan advises individually.

Q: How long does full recovery from ACL reconstruction take?

Daily activities normalise within 6–8 weeks. Return to non-contact training is possible around 4–5 months. Full return to contact or pivoting sport — with the graft adequately matured and strength fully restored — generally takes 6–9 months.

Q: Can both ACL and PCL be reconstructed at the same time?

Yes. In combined ACL-PCL injuries, both ligaments can be reconstructed in a single arthroscopic session with careful surgical sequencing. Thorough pre-operative planning ensures that all planes of instability are addressed without compromising individual repairs.

Q: What happens to the knee if the ACL is not reconstructed?

Without reconstruction, repeated giving-way episodes progressively damage the menisci and cartilage surfaces. Over time, this accelerates cartilage breakdown and significantly increases the risk of developing premature knee osteoarthritis.

Ruptured cruciate ligaments are reconstructed with a tendon graft through arthroscopic keyhole surgery — restoring full rotational and anteroposterior knee stability for a confident return to sport and activity.

60–90 min PROCEDURE

1–2 Days HOSPITAL STAY

>90% SUCCESS RATE

6–9 Months FULL RECOVERY

What is ACL & PCL Reconstruction?

Cruciate ligament reconstruction replaces a torn ACL or PCL with a biological tendon graft — most frequently the hamstring tendon or patellar tendon — delivered through arthroscopic portals with no large incisions. The ACL governs rotational control of the knee; the PCL prevents backward displacement of the tibia. Combined cruciate injuries — multiligament knee trauma — require careful staged or simultaneous planning to restore stability in every direction. Dr. Sai Kishan performs cruciate ligament reconstruction at Lux Hospitals using anatomic graft tunnel positioning to replicate the native ligament's function as closely as possible.

Recommended for physically active patients with confirmed complete ACL or PCL rupture causing instability, a sense of giving way, or functional limitation — especially where returning to sport, manual occupation, or an active lifestyle is a clear treatment goal.

How the Procedure Works

Anaesthesia & Surgical Setup

Spinal or general anaesthesia; a tourniquet is applied and the knee is positioned and draped for arthroscopic access.

Tendon Graft Harvest

The chosen graft — hamstring, patellar tendon, or quadriceps — is harvested through a separate small incision and prepared to the required length and diameter.

Intra-articular Assessment

The arthroscope surveys the joint to confirm the tear, treat any concurrent meniscal or cartilage injury, and plan graft tunnel positions.

Tunnel Drilling & Graft Passage

Bone tunnels are drilled at the anatomic footprints; the prepared graft is threaded through, seated correctly, and confirmed under arthroscopic view.

Graft Tensioning, Fixation & Closure

The graft is tensioned appropriately and fixed with interference screws or cortical devices; portals are closed and rehabilitation begins immediately.

Outcomes

60–90 minDURATION

1–2 DaysHOSPITAL STAY

>90%SUCCESS RATE

6–9 MonthsFULL RECOVERY

Who Needs This Treatment?

→Full restoration of knee stability in rotational and anteroposterior planes
→Clears the path to safe, confident return to sport and demanding physical activity
→Arthroscopic delivery — small portals, minimal scarring, and rapid recovery
→Concurrent meniscal and cartilage injuries treated in the same operative session
→Anatomic tunnel placement replicates the mechanical function of the native ligament
→Evidence-based return-to-sport protocol maximises graft integration outcomes

Reconstructing the cruciate is only half the work — the rehabilitation that follows is what actually returns the athlete to sport. Surgery and rehab together achieve the result; neither alone is sufficient.

— — Dr. Sai Kishan Sirasala, Knee and Hip Joint Replacement & Robotic Surgery

Common Questions

Frequently Asked

Which tendon graft gives the best result for ACL reconstruction?+

How long does full recovery from ACL reconstruction take?+

Can both ACL and PCL be reconstructed at the same time?+

What happens to the knee if the ACL is not reconstructed?+

Not sure which treatment is right for you?

Book a consultation with Dr. Sai Kishan and get a personalised treatment plan.

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