Contact number: 020 7806 4060
What is ACL reconstruction?
ACL reconstruction is a surgical procedure that repairs or replaces a torn anterior cruciate ligament in the knee. This ligament plays a vital role in stabilising the knee during movement, and damage can result in pain, swelling, and difficulty with everyday activities or sports.
ACL injuries are one of the most common knee injuries and frequently occur in sports such as football, rugby, skiing, tennis and squash.
The procedure typically involves taking a graft from another part of the body or using a donor graft to replace the damaged ligament. This is performed using minimally invasive techniques to reduce recovery time and discomfort. Conveniently located in St John’s Wood (NW8), our hospital offers this treatment to patients from across London, ensuring expert care close to home.
ACL Reconstruction at St John & St Elizabeth Hospital
At St John & St Elizabeth Hospital, we provide private ACL reconstruction, focusing on your recovery and long-term health. Our orthopaedic consultants specialise in knee surgery, working in our state-of-the-art facilities to ensure accurate diagnosis and effective treatment.
Why choose us for your ACL reconstruction?
- Specialist Surgeons: Our consultants are experts in ACL repair, tailoring their approach to meet your needs.
- Faster Access to Treatment: Same-day appointments and diagnostic imaging minimise delays in starting your recovery.
- Comprehensive Care: From your first consultation through rehabilitation, we support you at every stage of your recovery.
- Easily Accessible Location: Based in NW8, we are easily reachable from Hampstead (NW3), Kilburn (NW6), and surrounding areas.
We are dedicated to helping you restore stability and strength to your knee, supporting your return to daily activities.
Knee surgeons offering ACL surgery
About ACL Reconstruction
Read our guide which explains everything you need to know about ACL reconstruction surgery, including:
- When surgery is needed and what symptoms it addresses
- How the procedure is performed and the types of grafts used
- What to expect during recovery and rehabilitation
- Potential risks and complications
- Answers to common patient questions about ACL reconstruction
How Much Does Private ACL Reconstruction Surgery Cost?
from £11,895*
The price shown includes estimated hospital related costs associated with your treatment, from admission to discharge. The price does not include the cost of consultation, diagnostics, or the surgeon or anaesthetist fee.
This hospital price is a guide price only and you will be offered a bespoke price depending on your surgery following pre-assessment.
How to pay for your treatment
If you’re… paying for yourself
Did you know you don’t need private medical insurance to come to St John & St Elizabeth Hospital? As a self-pay patient, you can access safe, outstanding quality health care at times to suit you.
For scans and tests, as well as to see most consultants, you’ll still need to be referred by a medical professional like your GP, but as a self-pay patient, the process is more straightforward. You won’t need authorisation from an insurance provider, and you’ll have greater choice of consultant and appointment times.
If you’re… insured
St John & St Elizabeth Hospital is approved by all major medical insurance companies. If you have a personal private health insurance policy, or your company provide it for you, you can use it to pay for your care from your initial consultation through to treatment, surgery and aftercare such as physiotherapy. Not all private health insurance plans cover the same things. It’s very important to check exactly what you are covered for with your insurance provider.
Frequently Asked Questions About ACL Reconstruction
St John & St Elizabeth Hospital is in St John’s Wood (NW8), a well-connected area of North West London. We’re close to Hampstead (NW3) and Kilburn (NW6), making us accessible to patients across the region.
By Tube:
- St John’s Wood station (Jubilee Line) is just a 5-minute walk from the hospital.
- Finchley Road (NW3) and Kilburn stations (NW6) on the Jubilee Line provide excellent connections.
By Bus:
- Wellington Road: Routes 13, 46, 82, and 113 stop near St John’s Wood Underground Station, just a short walk from the hospital.
- Circus Road: Routes 46 and 187 stop close to the hospital’s Circus Road entrance.
- Abbey Road: Routes 139 and 189 stop near the junction where Grove End Road becomes Abbey Road, providing easy access.
Major Roads:
If you’re travelling from NW3 or NW6, major roads such as Finchley Road or Kilburn High Road offer a direct route to the hospital.
Our location ensures convenient travel for patients from across London, particularly those in NW8, NW3, and NW6 postcodes.
- Sudden twisting movements (frequently occur when ski bindings do not release during a fall)
- Pivoting with your foot firmly planted
- Collisions (such as in a football tackle)
- Stopping or changing direction suddenly
- Landing incorrectly after a jump
ACL reconstruction surgery typically lasts between one and two hours. The time depends on factors such as the type of graft used and the complexity of the injury being repaired.
It is best to sleep on your back with your leg elevated on pillows to reduce swelling and promote circulation. If your consultant recommends using a brace, it can provide added support while sleeping. Avoid sleeping on your stomach or the side of the operated leg.
Your specialist will assess the extent of your ACL damage, any other knee injuries, and how these impact your daily life. If your knee is stable, non-surgical options like pain relief and physiotherapy may be recommended. However, if you experience instability or difficulty with activities, ACL surgery could be beneficial.
Preparation includes ‘prehab’ to increase your knee’s range of motion and strengthen muscles for better post-surgery outcomes. You’ll also need a pre-assessment for fitness checks and antibacterial wash to reduce infection risk. Our therapies team can support you with prehab exercises in the run-up to surgery if needed.
If you’re taking blood thinners (e.g., warfarin or aspirin) or NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen), inform your doctor as you may need to stop these a week prior. Your doctor will provide specific instructions based on your medication.
ACL reconstruction is a day procedure, so you’ll usually go home the same day. Stop eating six hours and drinking two hours before surgery. Arrive in loose, comfortable clothing with essentials such as a toothbrush, charger, and any prescription medications. A nurse will check your vitals, and your doctor will review the procedure and have you sign a consent form.
You’ll be given anaesthesia, either general or spinal with sedation. The surgeon will use an arthroscope to remove the damaged ligament and replace it with tissue from another source. Post-surgery, you’ll be monitored before discharge. Have someone ready to collect you, as anaesthesia effects can last 24 hours. For the first two weeks, keep your leg elevated, take prescribed painkillers, and use crutches or a knee brace as needed.
Initial recovery involves rest, followed by regular physiotherapy from week two to help with balance, strength, and knee flexibility. Most can resume office work within 2-3 weeks and driving within 3-4 weeks. Avoid flying for at least six weeks (short-haul) and 12 weeks (long-haul). While ACL recovery takes up to six months for full function, our physiotherapy team is available to support your progress throughout.
ACL reconstructions are common procedures. However, all surgeries carry risks, such as infection, developing a blood clot or having an unexpected reaction to the anaesthetic.
An ACL reconstruction could also result in complications such as:
- Continued instability. This could happen if there’s a problem with the placement of your graft.
- A tear in the new ligament that needs to be repaired with further surgery.
As such, make sure you follow your doctor’s advice, take good care of your wounds and don’t rush your recovery.
Medically reviewed by Mr Sujith Konan - MBBS MD(res) MRCS FRCS(Tr&Orth), Honorary Associate Professor (UCLH)