Access expert ACL surgical treatment at the Three Shires Hospital, so you can get back on track to life without pain.
If you have damaged your anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), you may experience pain, swelling, instability, and or difficulty returning to your usual activities. For some people with a damaged ACL, reconstruction surgery may be recommended to help restore stability and function in the knee.
At Three Shires Hospital, our orthopaedic specialists provide assessment and treatment for ACL injuries, including ACL reconstruction surgery, where appropriate to those based in Northampton and beyond.
The anterior cruciate ligament is one of the main ligaments within the knee. It helps to stabilise the knee, particularly during movements such as changing direction, jumping, and stopping suddenly.
Not everyone with an ACL injury will need surgery.
Your treatment will depend on factors including the severity of your injury, the stability of your knee, your activity levels and your individual goals.
Depending on your circumstances, treatment may include rehabilitation and physiotherapy without the need for surgery. If your consultant recommends ACL reconstruction, they will explain the procedure and what you can expect from treatment.
ACL reconstruction is a surgical procedure used to replace a damaged ACL with a new ligament. The replacement ligament, known as a graft, is used to help restore stability to the knee.
ACL reconstruction may be considered when an ACL injury has resulted in ongoing instability, particularly where this affects everyday activities, work, or sport.
Your consultant will assess your symptoms, medical history and the condition of your knee before discussing whether surgery is appropriate for you.
ACL reconstruction is usually performed using keyhole surgery, known as arthroscopy. During the procedure, your surgeon makes small incisions around the knee and uses specialised instruments to reconstruct the ligament.
The damaged ACL is replaced with a graft that acts as a new ligament. This is usually created using tissue from another tendon in your own body, most commonly from the hamstring or knee. In some cases, donor tissue may be used instead. Your consultant will explain which option is recommended for you and why, so you can make an informed decision about your treatment.
Once the graft is in position, it is anchored to the bone using small fixation devices, which may include screws or surgical buttons. These are commonly used in ACL surgery to support healing and provide stability while the graft integrates with the surrounding bone and tissue. Your consultant will discuss the materials being used and answer any questions you may have before your procedure.
Your consultant and clinical team will talk you through your treatment, including preparation for surgery, what to expect on the day, and your recovery afterwards.
Recovery following ACL reconstruction takes time and varies from person to person. Most patients return home on the day of surgery or after an overnight stay, depending on their individual circumstances.
You can expect some pain, swelling and discomfort in the first few weeks after surgery. This is a normal part of the healing process and can usually be managed with pain relief medication, rest, ice therapy, compression and elevation (RICE). Your consultant may also recommend a knee brace during the early stages of recovery.
Physiotherapy and rehabilitation are an essential part of recovery. Your rehabilitation programme will focus on restoring movement and strength in the knee, improving stability, and gradually helping you return to normal daily activities. You will work closely with our physiotherapy team throughout your recovery journey and attend follow-up appointments to monitor your progress.
Most patients are able to walk with crutches shortly after surgery and gradually progress to walking unaided within several weeks, depending on their recovery and your consultant's advice. Many people can return to office-based work within two to six weeks, while more physically demanding roles may require a longer recovery period.
Regaining your full range of knee movement can take several weeks or months, and returning to sport or higher-impact activities often takes between six and twelve months. Your consultant and physiotherapist will guide you through each stage of rehabilitation to help ensure a safe return to activity.
While it can be tempting to push yourself too quickly, overexercising or returning to activities before the knee has fully healed can increase the risk of complications or injury. Following your personalised rehabilitation plan is important for achieving the best possible outcome.
Throughout your recovery, our consultant-led team will be available to answer any questions or concerns, ensuring you feel supported every step of the way.
The cost of your ACL reconstruction will depend on various factors, including the details of the procedure and which consultant you choose. We’ll give you a full itemised quote before you book.
We understand that paying for private healthcare is an important financial decision. That's why we offer flexible finance options to help spread the cost of your treatment.
You can choose to fund your treatment through self-pay (paying for yourself) or use private health insurance. We work with most major providers, and our friendly advisory team can help guide you through using your cover.
Our flexible payment options help you spread the cost of your payment across a time period that suits you. We offer fixed-term monthly payment plans over one to five years with no deposit required. If you decide to pay over 10 months, you will pay interest-free. If you are paying for a longer period, you will pay 9.9% APR.
When you choose to go private with Three Shires Hospital, you can expect:
Going private for your healthcare journey provides you faster access to a vast range of treatment options, greater flexibility in choosing specialists, and more personalised care.
If you have an ACL injury or ongoing knee instability, our orthopaedic specialists can assess your symptoms and discuss the treatment options available to you.
To find out more about ACL reconstruction at Three Shires Hospital, contact our team on 01604 620311 to arrange a consultation or book an appointment online with your preferred orthopaedic specialist.
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