Short answer
Not every ACL tear needs surgery. The British Orthopaedic Association’s best-practice standards say the main reason to reconstruct a torn ACL is a knee that gives way (symptomatic instability), and that the choice between early surgery and a trial of non-operative treatment should be individual to each patient. Dr Chetan M Dojode advises on this after examining your knee and reviewing the MRI.
ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) tears are among the most common and debilitating sports injuries — affecting footballers, cricketers, badminton players, and recreational athletes across Bangalore. Dr. Chetan M. Dojode FRCS (UK), FEBOT is a UK-trained sports orthopaedic surgeon with extensive NHS experience in arthroscopic ACL reconstruction.
ACL reconstruction is performed arthroscopically — through tiny keyhole incisions — using a tendon graft to replace the torn ligament. Dr. Chetan M. Dojode uses an anatomic ACL reconstruction technique with optimised graft placement for rotational stability.
Dr. Chetan M. Dojode has treated competitive athletes including Sports Authority of India athletes, and understands the specific demands of high-performance sport on the knee. He practises at Sparsh Hospital Yelahanka and OSR — OrthoSportsRobotics Clinic / Aarna Clinic, Sahakar Nagar — serving athletes across North Bengaluru, Hebbal, Yelahanka, and Sahakar Nagar.
Do You Need ACL Reconstruction?
Not every ACL tear needs surgery. The decision depends on the completeness of the tear, your knee's stability in daily life, and whether you want to return to pivoting sports such as football, badminton, kabaddi or cricket. The signs that usually point towards reconstruction include:
- ›A complete ACL tear confirmed on clinical examination and MRI
- ›The knee gives way or feels unstable when turning, twisting or landing
- ›You wish to return to pivoting or contact sport
- ›An associated meniscus or cartilage injury needs protecting from further damage
- ›You are young or physically active, where an unstable knee risks long-term arthritis
ACL Graft Options — Hamstring, Patellar & Quadriceps Tendon
The torn ACL cannot simply be stitched back together — it is replaced with a graft, most often taken from your own body (an autograft). Dr. Chetan M. Dojode discusses the graft choice with every patient, matching it to your anatomy, sport and activity level.
Hamstring tendon autograft
The most widely used graft. Taken through a small incision, it avoids the front of the knee and is well suited to most recreational and competitive athletes. Reliable strength and low donor-site discomfort.
Patellar tendon (BTB) autograft
A bone–tendon–bone graft that heals bone-to-bone in the tunnels. Often preferred for high-demand pivoting and contact athletes who need the most robust fixation. A period of anterior knee care is part of rehabilitation.
Quadriceps tendon autograft
A strong, thick graft with minimal donor-site pain, increasingly used in both primary and revision reconstruction. A good option where a larger graft is needed.
Donor (allograft) tissue
Graft from a tissue bank, generally reserved for revision surgery or older, lower-demand patients. In young pivoting athletes an autograft is usually preferred because of lower re-rupture rates.
What Happens During ACL Reconstruction Surgery
ACL reconstruction is a day-case or short-stay keyhole procedure, usually taking around an hour. In outline:
- 1Anaesthesia — general or regional, discussed with the anaesthetist beforehand.
- 2Arthroscopy — the knee is inspected and any meniscus or cartilage injury is treated at the same time.
- 3Graft harvest and preparation — the chosen tendon graft is taken and shaped.
- 4Anatomic tunnel placement — bone tunnels are positioned to reproduce the natural ACL for rotational stability.
- 5Graft fixation — the graft is passed and secured, and knee stability is checked.
- 6Recovery — most patients go home the same or next day and begin physiotherapy straight away.
ACL Recovery & Return to Sport
Recovery is a staged, criteria-based process rather than a fixed calendar. Return to competitive sport typically takes 9–12 months, cleared on strength and function tests — not the date alone. A typical path:
Read more on the ACL recovery & return-to-sport timeline, or whether you are a candidate on do I need ACL reconstruction?
Approach to ACL Reconstruction
- ✓Arthroscopic (keyhole) technique — tiny incisions
- ✓Anatomic graft placement for rotational stability
- ✓Hamstring or patellar tendon graft options
- ✓Sport-specific rehabilitation programmes
- ✓Criteria-based clearance — not arbitrary timelines
- ✓Experience with competitive and recreational athletes
- ✓Same-day surgery possible
Dr. Chetan M. Dojode — International Credentials
Dr. Chetan M. Dojode is a UK-trained Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon with FRCS (Trauma & Orthopaedics), FEBOT and GMC Specialist Registration.
Risks and Possible Complications
ACL reconstruction is a well-established operation, but like all surgery it carries risks. They include:
- Stiffness, or difficulty regaining full straightening or bending
- Pain at the front of the knee or at the graft donor site
- Numbness around the scar
- Infection
- Blood clots in the leg veins
- Stretching or re-tearing of the graft, or an injury to the other knee
- Injury to nerves or blood vessels (rare)
- Risks from the anaesthetic
How likely each is depends on you, the graft chosen and your rehabilitation. Dr Chetan M Dojode will discuss these with you before surgery.
Preparing for ACL Surgery
- Let swelling settle and regain full straightening and bending first, with physiotherapy
- Strengthen the thigh muscles before surgery — this helps recovery afterwards
- Avoid pivoting sport until the knee has been assessed, to protect the meniscus and cartilage
- Fasting, medicines and consent are explained at the pre-operative assessment
- Arrange crutches and a brace, transport home and help at home for the first days
Work, Driving and Daily Life After ACL Surgery
Return to everyday life is usually quicker than return to sport, but it depends on your job, which knee was operated on and how recovery goes.
- Desk-based work: often possible within a few weeks, with regular breaks to move and elevate the leg
- Physical or standing work: usually needs longer and a staged return
- Driving: once you can control the car safely, are off strong painkillers and your surgeon agrees; after right-knee surgery this is often later
- Walking and stairs: a normal walking pattern returns over the first weeks with physiotherapy
- Sport: follows the criteria-based plan above
Read more: ACL tear or meniscus tear?, why does my knee hurt?, knee pain treatment and the Sahakar Nagar clinic.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does ACL recovery take in Bangalore?+
Return to competitive sport after ACL reconstruction typically takes 9–12 months. This is criteria-based — quadriceps strength symmetry, functional performance tests, and psychological readiness — not an arbitrary timeline. Premature return significantly increases re-injury risk.
Is ACL surgery done arthroscopically?+
Yes. Dr. Chetan M. Dojode performs all ACL reconstructions arthroscopically — through tiny keyhole incisions using a camera and specialised instruments. This means minimal scarring and less pain. Recovery varies according to the procedure, patient factors and rehabilitation.
Can ACL tears heal without surgery?+
Not every ACL tear needs surgery. Some people manage well with physiotherapy and a knee brace, particularly when the knee feels stable in daily life and they do not need to return to pivoting sport. Surgery is usually considered when the knee keeps giving way, and the British Orthopaedic Association standards say the choice between early reconstruction and a trial of non-operative treatment should be individual to each patient.
What graft is used for ACL reconstruction?+
The graft is chosen for each patient, from the options described above, according to their age, activity level, sport and anatomy. Dr Chetan M Dojode discusses the choice with you at consultation.
Does Dr. Chetan M. Dojode perform ACL surgery in Yelahanka?+
Yes. ACL reconstruction is performed at Sparsh Hospital Yelahanka, New Airport Road, Nehru Nagar, Bengaluru 560064 — serving patients from Yelahanka, Hebbal, Jakkur, Devanahalli and North Bengaluru.
How soon after an ACL injury should surgery be done?+
ACL reconstruction is usually not done immediately. The knee is first allowed to settle — swelling reduced and full movement regained — over a few weeks of physiotherapy, which lowers the risk of post-operative stiffness. An associated locked or displaced meniscus tear may bring surgery forward. Dr. Chetan M. Dojode advises on the right timing for your knee after examination and MRI.
How much does ACL reconstruction cost in Bangalore?+
The cost of ACL reconstruction depends on the graft and implants used, the hospital category, room type, and whether the procedure is covered by health insurance. Please contact the clinic for a personalised estimate for your case.
Dr. Chetan M. Dojode
FRCS · FEBOT · GMC Specialist Register
Book Appointment +91 94809 09009 WhatsAppClinic Locations
Sparsh Hospital Yelahanka
New Airport Road, Nehru Nagar,
Yelahanka, Bengaluru 560064
OSR — OrthoSportsRobotics Clinic / Aarna Clinic
1182/1, 20th Main Road, A Block,
Sahakar Nagar, Bengaluru 560092