Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) Reconstruction
Anterior cruciate ligament tear is the most common form of knee injury. It is mostly seen to occur among young athletes, especially women. When this injury is left untreated, conditions like osteoarthritis may appear within 10-20 years.
Today, we at MyMedTrip.com shall brief you on what if an ACL, ACL reconstruction surgery, ACL reconstruction surgery cost in India, and ACL reconstruction surgery recovery.
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Cost for ACL Reconstruction Surgery in India | US$ 3,000 to 4,000 (depending on the medical case of the patient) |
| Discount | 10% on the above quoted price (final hospital’s bill) ONLY APPLICABLE ONLY FOR MyMedTrip.com patients Click here for exceptions and terms. |
| Number of days at hospital (Estimated) | 1 day |
| Number of days in India outside hospital (Estimated) | 7-8 days |
| Treatment’s Success Rate | 98% and above |
| Tests required to help assess the treatment | Physical exam, MRI, and preoperative blood tests, and ECG. |
What is covered in the above mentioned cost for surgery?
This price includes surgery cost, doctor’s fee, standard prescribed tests and all standard expenses required at the hospital.
About ACL reconstruction surgery
ACL reconstruction surgery is usually performed after three-six weeks from the date of injury.
The ACL cannot be repaired or reattached. It has to be entirely reconstructed. The ACL surgery therefore involves a complete reconstructing of the ligament. Here, a new ACL is made from a graft tissue obtained from the injured person’s hamstring, quadriceps or patellar tendon.
The tissue may also be obtained from a human organ donor. It is up to the doctor to decide, on a case-by-case basis, which method is best suited in reconstructing the ACL.
The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL)
Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) is located at the centre of the knee and works to balance our knees during activities, such as bending. This is one of the four ligaments in our knee, with which it works, to give balance and support to the legs. These elastic-like bands connect the thigh bone to the shin bone and are regarded as the largest and most complex joint in the human body.
Causes of ACL tear
Any sudden movement such as a jump, a halt, or a bend, makes the ACL prone to tear. Because of its location in the front, it is one of the most commonly injured ligaments.
Injuries essentially occur when the feet are planted in one direction and the knee gets twisted in the other. Sports such as basketball, soccer or football are more prone to inducing tears.
Symptoms of ACL tear
Oftentimes people can hear the tear by a “pop” sound after which some symptoms become increasingly noticeable. Some of the symptoms are:-
- Severe pain.
- Inability to stand properly.
- Tenderness along the joints.
- Rapid swelling in the knee area.
- Loss of range of motion.
Diagnosis of ACL tear
Tests required
One must consult the doctor if the symptoms persistently increase. The tear is diagnosed by:-
- X-ray
- MRI
- CT scan
In certain cases, arthroscopy is also recommended. An arthroscopy is a minimally invasive procedure in which the doctor uses a tube called the arthroscope and inserts it in the knee. Following this, the images of the joint are projected on the screen which reveals if there is any tear, alongside other complications.
Non-surgical treatment methods
The doctor further takes down the injured person’s medical history, age, and degree of injury to determine the right treatment. The treatments commonly include:-
- Medicinal interventions
- Physiotherapy
- Knee braces
- Ice-packs
- Surgery
At first, nonsurgical treatments are considered, especially if there is a partial tear of the ACL. The partial tear is determined through two kinds of tests, the Lachman test and the Pivot shift test.
In both cases, if the bones do not move or only do so partially, then it is a partial tear. Generally the injured person is treated through nonsurgical methods. During this time, the patient is checked on the progression of healing the tear.
Before ACL reconstruction surgery
Before the surgical intervention, the surgeon will first ask the patient to undergo some preoperative blood tests and organ functioning tests. They will be tests such as :-
- ECG
- PT
- CBC
- White Blood Count
- Urinalysis
The patient is also advised to refrain from certain things a few days prior to surgery. These are:-
- Refraining from alcohol.
- Refraining from blood thinning agents.
- Refraining from over-the-counter painkillers and anti-inflammatory medicines.
- Quitting smoking.
- Refraining from the consumption of food, solid or liquid, from the night before surgery.
Surgical intervention
ACL reconstruction surgery is done through minimally invasive arthroscopic tubes.The surgery commences under general anesthesia. In some special cases, the doctor may use a regional or local anesthesia which is administered with a syringe.
In the next step, incisions are made to insert the tubes along with some surgical instruments. While one of the tubes provides saline solutions inside the knee which makes the tear more visible by inflating it, the other comprises a small camera that projects the insides of the knee onto the screen.
The surgeon then examines the extent of the tear and repairs any tear of the surrounding area.
Following this, a section of the tendon is cut from other parts of the body and then plugged into the bones from the patella and tibia. This builds the new ACL which is then inserted into the injured area by using a flexible wire.
The surgery is completed by sealing up the wound with stitches and bandages.
After reconstruction surgery
After the surgery, the patient may be kept under observation for a day. Sometimes they are discharged on the same day. During this time, they are provided with leg braces or crutches to help with movement, alongside being given pain medications.
Recovery after ACL reconstruction surgery
Because it is a minimally invasive surgery, the rehabilitation time period starts very soon. This is the most crucial part of recovery. During this time, the physiotherapist prescribes exercises that start from minimum motions such as required during strengthening exercises. It then progresses to rigorous motions such as required during playing competitive games. Somewhere in between, usually in the fourth month, running exercises are suggested.
It takes almost a year for the injured person to be capable of performing rigorous physical activity such as taking part in competitive sports.
ACL reconstruction surgery risks
The risks associated with this surgery are:
- Excessive bleeding
- Blood clots
- Infection
- Persistent knee pain
- Graft failure
- Motion-loss of knees.
Tips for Preventing ACL Injury
Every person suffering from an ACL tear dreads the popping sound of the knee. Even though not extremely dangerous, ACL tears can be excruciatingly painful. We have therefore sought to give you some tips that would help in enhancing the strength and flexibility of the muscles surrounding the knee. They are as follows:-
- Practice proper landing after jumps.
- While pivoting, it is advised that you crouch and bend at the knees and hips.
- Train and practice throughout the year.
- The hamstring muscle, which is located in the back thigh, and the quadriceps muscle, which is located in the front, work together to bend or straighten the leg. It is therefore advised to strengthen both these muscles that will further protect the leg against any knee injuries.
How can MyMedTrip.com help you?
Once you have decided to travel to India for this surgery, you may contact us on our Whatsapp number +91 9818237391 or email us at hi@mymedtrip.com. The first consultation arranged by us is free of cost!
We also provide visa invitation letters and help in facilitating the medical journey to India. Throughout the journey, you shall be provided with one of our staff members for proper guidance through linguistic barriers.
Although, most of the hospitals and doctors we feature are well versed with Arabic, Russian, Bengali and English. If you have any further queries or questions related to ACL Reconstruction surgery in India, please do not hesitate to email us at the aforementioned address.
Frequently Asked Questions about ACL Reconstruction surgery
What is ACL reconstruction surgery?
ACL reconstruction surgery is a surgical procedure of the knee which is done to reconstruct a damaged Anterior Cruciate Ligament.
Where is the Anterior Cruciate Ligament Located?
Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) is located at the centre of the knee.
What causes a tear in the ACL?
Any sudden movement such as a jump, a halt, or a bend, can cause the ACL to tear.
How is an ACL tear treated?
There are various nonsurgical treatments such as medicinal interventions, physiotherapy, and/or knee braces. It is only after the effect of this treatment has settled the swelling and inflammation, that a surgical intervention is suggested.
What is the surgical method used to treat ACL tear?
The surgical method used to treat ACL tears is called arthroscopy.
What is graft tissue?
Graft tissues are tissues which are taken from another person or the same person for the purposes of grafting it at the required site.
How long does Anterior Cruciate Ligament reconstruction surgery take?n?
Anterior Cruciate Surgery may take anywhere between two to three hours.
How long does it take to recover from an ACL reconstruction surgery?
It takes almost a year for complete recovery.
When can I run after ACL surgery?
Somewhere in the fourth month, running exercises become an option.
What are some of the risks of ACL surgery?
The risks associated with this surgery are excessive bleeding, blood clots, infection, persistent knee pain, graft failure, and motion-loss of knees.
How long does a spine fusion surgery take?
Spine fusion surgery is a lengthy procedure and may take several hours.
How many days do I have to stay in the hospital for spine fusion surgery?
Usually, patients are required to stay for two days from the surgery day.
How long does it take to recover from spine fusion surgery?
Recovery from spine fusion surgery may take anywhere between three- twelve months.
When can I get back to my normal diet after spine fusion surgery?
Usually, patients are allowed to get back on a normal diet after two weeks of surgery.
What are the risks associated with spine fusion surgery?
The risks associated with spine fusion surgery are infection, bleeding, blood clot, pseudoarthrosis, poor wound healing, failed back syndrome.
What is the most serious risk associated with spine fusion surgery?
The most serious risk associated with spine fusion surgery is failed back syndrome.
When to call the doctor in case of risk?
Call the doctor immediately if the candidate has high fever, drainage from the surgical site and a persistent pain that is severe.
Does spine fusion surgery correct the disease condition?
No, spine fusion surgery does not correct the diseased condition but rather treats only the symptoms.
