A Guide to ACL Reconstruction Surgery in Singapore
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Overview
Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) injuries are among the most common knee injuries, particularly in athletes and
active individuals. ACL reconstruction surgery is often recommended for those looking to regain full function of
the knee, especially when non-surgical methods are insufficient.
In this guide, we walk you through the key aspects of ACL reconstruction surgery from diagnosis to recovery so
you can make informed decisions about your treatment and return to your active lifestyle with confidence.
By Arete Orthopaedic Centre
Medically Reviewed by Dr Wang Lushun
What Is the ACL and Why Is It Important?
The anterior cruciate ligament is one of four key ligaments that provide stability to the knee joint. It
connects the femur (thighbone) to the tibia (shinbone) and is responsible for controlling forward movement and
rotation of the tibia relative to the femur.
The ACL plays a critical role in:
Maintaining knee stability during running, jumping, and turning
Preventing excessive motion that could lead to joint damage
Supporting activities that require pivoting or sudden stops
When the ACL is torn, the knee becomes unstable and activities involving quick movements or changes in direction become difficult and risky.
How ACL Injuries Occur
ACL injuries are typically caused by:
Sudden changes in direction
Stopping or decelerating abruptly
Landing awkwardly from a jump
Direct impact to the knee, such as in contact sports
Sports like football, basketball, netball and rugby see a higher prevalence of ACL injuries.
However, they can also happen during everyday activities like falling off a ladder or slipping on a
wet surface.
Common Symptoms of an ACL Tear
A loud popping sound or sensation at the time of injury
Immediate swelling in the knee
Pain and difficulty bearing weight
Knee giving way or feeling unstable during movement
Reduced range of motion
Prompt medical evaluation by a knee specialist and imaging such as MRI are important for an accurate diagnosis and an appropriate treatment plan.
Do You Need ACL Reconstruction Surgery?
Not all ACL injuries require surgery. The decision depends on several factors, including the severity of the tear, your lifestyle, and your goals.
Non-Surgical Treatment
Some patients may respond well to conservative management, including physiotherapy and bracing. This is more common in:
Older individuals with low activity levels
Patients with partial tears and minimal instability
Those not participating in high-risk or pivot-heavy sports
Surgery Is Often Recommended If You:
Are under 50 and want to return to sports or physical activity
Experience recurrent instability or knee giving way
Have associated damage to the meniscus or cartilage
Have a complete tear of the ACL
What Happens During ACL Reconstruction?
ACL reconstruction is a surgical procedure where the torn ligament is replaced with a tissue graft. The new graft serves as a scaffold for new ligament tissue to grow over time.
Graft Options
Autograft – Harvested from your own tissue, such as the hamstring tendon, quads tendon or patellar tendon.
Allograft – Donor tissue from a deceased individual, sterilised and processed.
Synthetic Graft – Less commonly used; typically reserved for revision surgeries or special cases.
The Surgery
It is usually performed using arthroscopy (keyhole surgery), which minimises trauma to surrounding tissues
Small incisions are made to insert a camera and surgical tools
The damaged ACL is removed and the graft is fixed in place using screws or other fixation devices
Most patients are discharged on the same day, though some may stay overnight for observation.
Recovery After ACL Reconstruction
Recovery after ACL reconstruction is a gradual process that spans several months. In the first few weeks, the
focus is on managing pain and swelling, using crutches, and physiotherapy to restore knee movement.
As healing progresses, you will start on weight-bearing exercises and gradually rebuild strength in your thigh
and hamstring muscles. Physiotherapy becomes more intensive over time, incorporating balance training,
flexibility and eventually sport-specific movements if needed.
Most patients return to light daily activities within a few weeks, while full return to sports or strenuous work
typically takes 6 to 9 months.
Throughout the journey, consistency with physiotherapy and following your orthopaedic surgeon’s advice are key
to a successful recovery and long-term knee stability.
Risks and Potential Complications
As with any surgery, ACL reconstruction carries risks. Fortunately, with proper planning and care, most are manageable or rare.
Potential Risks Include:
Infection at the surgical site
Blood clots
Graft failure or re-tear
Knee stiffness or reduced range of motion
Numbness or pain at graft harvest site
Choosing an experienced ACL surgeon and following post-op instructions closely can greatly reduce these risks.
In Conclusion
ACL reconstruction surgery allows one to restore knee stability and return to an active lifestyle. If you have
suffered an ACL injury and are considering your next steps, our orthopaedic knee specialist is here to guide you
through from diagnosis to recovery. Book a consultation with us at 8772 6928 today.
Dr Wang Lushun is a Senior Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon with over 18 years of experience. Formerly heading
the Hip and Knee Division at Ng Teng Fong Hospital, Dr Wang is skilled in sports surgery, complex hip and
knee replacements, and minimally invasive surgery, including advanced robotic surgery. Trained in the UK and
France, Dr Wang is dedicated to providing comprehensive and effective orthopaedic care to all his patients.
Trusted
Leadership on Orthopaedic Advisory Boards
Skilful
Double Fellowships at Centres of Excellence
Experienced
Senior Consultant with Over 18 Years of Experience
