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Pain AreasAnterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL)

Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL)

Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL)

Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL)

ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) injuries are among the most common and debilitating sports injuries, frequently affecting athletes and active individuals. A torn or ruptured ACL results in significant knee instability, pain, and inability to return to sport without proper treatment.

Do not hesitate — the sooner we identify the cause of your pain, the faster and more effectively we can help you on your journey to recovery.

Diagnosis and Treatment of Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL)

ACL and Ligament Injury Treatment in Jaipur

The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is one of the four main ligaments of the knee, providing rotational stability and preventing the tibia from sliding forward under the femur. ACL injuries most commonly occur during sudden changes of direction, jumping, or direct impact to the knee during sports activities.

A complete ACL tear typically produces an audible "pop" at the time of injury, followed by immediate swelling, pain, and a sensation of the knee giving way. Without treatment, the knee remains unstable and is at high risk of further damage to the menisci and cartilage.

Other ligaments of the knee — including the PCL, MCL, and LCL — can also be injured, either in isolation or in combination with the ACL. Each injury pattern requires careful assessment and an individualised treatment plan.

Diagnosis and Treatment of ACL Injuries

Dr. Singh performs a thorough clinical examination including Lachman's test, anterior drawer test, and pivot shift test to assess ligament integrity. MRI is used to confirm the diagnosis and evaluate associated meniscal and cartilage damage.

Conservative treatment is considered for partial tears and in patients with low physical demands:

  • Physiotherapy and Neuromuscular Rehabilitation
  • Bracing and Activity Modification
  • Strengthening of Surrounding Musculature
  • Anti-Inflammatory Medications

ACL Reconstruction Surgery

For complete ACL tears in active patients, arthroscopic ACL reconstruction is the gold standard. Dr. Singh uses graft tissue (typically hamstring or patellar tendon) to reconstruct the ligament using minimally invasive arthroscopic techniques. This allows for precise graft placement, minimal soft-tissue disruption, and faster rehabilitation — with most patients returning to sport within 6 to 9 months.

  • Complete ACL Tears
  • Partial ACL Tears
  • ACL Reconstruction
  • Return to Sport
  • Combined Ligament Injuries
  • Paediatric ACL

As a specialist in joint surgery, I offer each patient a comprehensive assessment and a treatment path tailored to their individual needs — from conservative care to minimally invasive surgery.

Frequently Asked Questions about Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL)

The ACL is one of the four main ligaments stabilising the knee. A tear most commonly occurs during sudden deceleration, pivoting, or a direct blow to the knee — frequently in sports such as football, basketball, badminton, or skiing. Patients typically report a popping sensation, immediate swelling, and a feeling that the knee has given way.
Not necessarily. Partial ACL tears and injuries in patients with low physical demands may be managed successfully with physiotherapy and bracing. However, complete ACL tears in active individuals — particularly athletes or those with associated meniscal damage — typically require surgical reconstruction to restore full knee stability and prevent further joint damage.
ACL reconstruction is performed arthroscopically (keyhole surgery) under anaesthesia. A graft — typically taken from the patient's own hamstring or patellar tendon — is used to replace the torn ligament. The graft is passed through tunnels drilled in the femur and tibia and fixed in position. The procedure typically takes 60 to 90 minutes and patients are discharged the same day or the following morning.
Recovery follows a structured rehabilitation programme. Most patients can walk without crutches within 2 to 3 weeks and return to light jogging by 3 months. Return to competitive sport typically occurs between 6 and 9 months post-surgery, depending on the sport, the patient's progress, and strength testing results. Full ligament maturation takes approximately 12 months.
An untreated ACL tear leads to chronic knee instability. Over time, repeated episodes of the knee giving way cause progressive damage to the menisci and articular cartilage, significantly increasing the risk of developing early knee osteoarthritis. Early treatment — whether surgical or non-surgical — is important to protect the long-term health of the joint.
I am alwayshappy to be there for you.
Dr. Hargovind Singh
DR. HARGOVIND SINGH

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Bombay Hospital, Trust, Sitapura Shri Kishanpura, Jaipur Rajasthan 302022
HGS