Sports Injury · Most Common

ACL Tear

Q: Can ACL tears heal without surgery?

No — the ACL doesn't heal on its own. Active patients and athletes need reconstruction. Older, less active patients can sometimes manage with physiotherapy.

Q: How soon can I return to sports?

Return to non-contact sports starts around four to five months. Full contact and competitive sports are usually safe by eight to nine months.

Q: Will my knee feel normal again?

Yes — most patients regain full strength, stability and confidence within six months, with knee function close to pre-injury levels after rehabilitation.

A common sports injury where the anterior cruciate ligament ruptures, causing knee instability, swelling and giving way. Effectively treated using arthroscopic ACL reconstruction.

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#1 Sports Knee Injury

Arthroscopic Reconstruction

>95% Return to Sport

ABOUT THIS CONDITION

What is ACL Tear?

An ACL tear is one of the most common sports injuries, occurring during sudden twisting, pivoting or landing. The anterior cruciate ligament ruptures, leading to a popping sensation, immediate swelling, severe knee instability and a feeling of the knee giving way during activity. Dr. Bathini Hithesh performs arthroscopic ACL reconstruction using hamstring or patellar tendon grafts, restoring stability and active life.

SIGNS TO WATCH

Common Symptoms

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Symptoms that need attention

Sudden popping sound during injury Severe knee pain and immediate swelling Knee giving way while walking Inability to bear full weight Reduced range of knee motion Loss of confidence during sports

WHY IT HAPPENS

Causes & Risk Factors

Sudden twisting or pivoting movements
Awkward landing from a jump
Direct blow to the knee
Sports like football, basketball, kabaddi
Road traffic accidents and trauma
Skiing or contact sports injuries

CLINICAL DETAILS

KeyFacts

Diagnosis

Lachman test, anterior drawer test and confirmatory MRI scan

Graft Options

Hamstring tendon, patellar tendon or quadriceps tendon graft

Surgery Time

Arthroscopic ACL reconstruction usually takes 60–90 minutes

Recovery

Walking by 1 week, sports return in six months

Hospital Stay

Day-care or one-night admission in most cases

Insurance

Cashless approval available with most major insurers

HOW WE TREAT IT

Treatment Approach

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Arthroscopic ACL Reconstruction

Dr. Hithesh performs minimally invasive arthroscopic ACL reconstruction using hamstring or patellar tendon graft, restoring full knee stability, strength and confidence — helping athletes return safely to competitive sport.

Available at Lux Hospitals, Hyderabad

1

Clinical Evaluation

Dr. Hithesh performs Lachman and pivot-shift tests, supported by MRI to confirm ACL tear and assess associated meniscus or cartilage damage.
2

Treatment Planning

Surgery is recommended for active individuals or athletes; graft choice depends on age, sport, lifestyle and personal preference factors.
3

Arthroscopic Reconstruction

Through tiny incisions, torn ACL is replaced with a tendon graft fixed using interference screws, restoring stable, pain-free movement.
4

Structured Rehabilitation

Progressive physiotherapy, knee bracing and graduated sport-specific drills restore strength, balance and full return to competitive sports activity.

AVAILABLE TREATMENTS

Treatment Options

Revision ACL Reconstruction

Re-do arthroscopic surgery for failed or re-torn ACL grafts using a fresh graft and corrected tunnel placement.

Arthroscopic ACL Reconstruction

Minimally invasive keyhole surgery replacing torn ACL with hamstring or patellar tendon graft for stable, sports-ready knee.

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COMMON QUESTIONS

Frequently Asked Questions

Can ACL tears heal without surgery?+

How soon can I return to sports?+

Will my knee feel normal again?+

Not sure about your condition?

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