Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction Cost from trusted Hospitals in Delhi NCR

ACL stands for anterior cruciate ligament. It is one of the four main ligaments of the knee joint that connects thigh bone (femur) to shin bone (tibia). This ligament prevents tibia from sliding over the femur and ensures rotational stability of the knee. This is the most commonly injured ligament in sports persons. 

In ACL reconstruction, the torn ligament is removed and is replaced by a tissue graft which may be harvested from the patient (autograft) or taken from a donor (allograft). The autografts commonly used are patellar tendon, hamstring tendon and quadriceps tendon. Those commonly taken from donor are patellar tendon, Achilles tendon and posterior tibialis tendon. 
 

ACL reconstruction is indicated in those who play high demand sports or those who are in such jobs that require knee strength. These people should be prepared to follow a long physical therapy schedule post surgery. 
It is required when knee stability and normal knee function is affected after an injury. 
 

X RAY, CT scan or MRI may be done to evaluate the injured anterior cruciate ligament and the surrounding structures. 
Bracing of the knee and some physical therapy may be required before the surgery for patients with stiff knees lacking full range of motion so as to allow some healing to occur and to improve surgery outcomes.
Blood thinning and immune system suppressing medications if being taken must be stopped and smoking should be also be stopped at least 2 weeks prior to the surgery. 
 

• The surgery is performed by an orthopedic surgeon under general/regional anesthesia. 
• The selected tendon is harvested and the graft of the correct size is prepared. 
• Small incisions are given in the front of the knee to insert arthroscope and other instruments. The injured cartilage and meniscus are repaired and the torn anterior cruciate ligament is removed. The femur and tibia are drilled to place the graft. The positioning is the same as the actual position of the anterior cruciate ligament. The graft is sutured and fixed in place using screws. 
• The graft stability and movement of the knee will be assessed before closing the incisions.
• Dressing will be placed and ice pack may be applied.
   

The surgery is performed by an orthopedic surgeon under general/regional anesthesia. 

• Rarely failure of allograft and recurrent instability of the knee joint may be reported. Knee stiffness and loss of motion is rarely reported. 
• There is risk of infection, bleeding and formation of blood clots in the legs.
• Knee pain commonly occurs after patellar tendon autograft.
• There is also risk of rupture of patellar tendon and patellar fracture. 
   

In young children and adolescents, ACL reconstruction should be postponed till skeletal maturity is achieved. 
Those who do not have a job that requires very stable knee, those with minor tear, those who are willing to stop activities that require knee strength may not opt for ACL reconstruction.