Private ACL Reconstruction in London

St John & St Elizabeth Hospital is located in St John’s Wood (NW8), easily accessible for patients from Hampstead (NW3), Kilburn (NW6) and across North and Central London.

By Tube: St John’s Wood station (Jubilee Line) is a 5-minute walk to and from St John & St Elizabeth Hospital.

By Bus: Routes 13, 46 and 113 stop near St John’s Wood Underground Station. Routes 139 and 189 stop on Abbey Road.

By Car: Finchley Road and Kilburn High Road provide direct routes from NW3 and NW6.

ACL injuries most often happen during sudden twisting movements in sports such as football, rugby or skiing, landing awkwardly from a jump, rapid deceleration or pivoting, or direct trauma to the knee.

The procedure typically takes between 60 and 90 minutes, depending on the complexity of the injury and the type of graft used. It’s usually performed as a day case, so most patients go home the same day.

Most patients find it more comfortable to sleep on their back with the operated leg slightly elevated on a pillow in the first week or two, while wearing any brace as advised by your surgeon. Your care team will give you specific guidance based on your procedure and any weight-bearing restrictions.

Surgery is often recommended if your knee keeps giving way during everyday movement, you want to return to sport or high-level activity, you have combined injuries alongside the ACL, or you’re a younger, physically active patient. Some people manage well with physiotherapy alone, particularly if activity demands are lower, so your consultant will assess your individual case before recommending the best option.

You’ll usually have a clinical assessment and imaging, such as an MRI, to confirm the diagnosis, along with a period of ‘prehabilitation’ exercises to reduce swelling and strengthen the surrounding muscles beforehand. Your surgeon will also discuss graft options and what to expect from your recovery.

Most procedures are carried out under general anaesthetic, sometimes with an additional regional nerve block for pain control. The surgery itself usually takes 60 to 90 minutes, and as it’s typically day surgery, most patients go home the same day once they’ve recovered from the anaesthetic.

During surgery, small incisions are made around the knee and an arthroscope (a small camera) is used to remove the damaged ligament and secure a graft in its place using bone tunnels and fixation devices. Afterwards, your knee may be bandaged and supported with a brace, and you’ll likely need crutches for the first few days to weeks while swelling and discomfort settle.

Recovery is gradual and typically takes 6 to 12 months, guided by a structured physiotherapy programme. Early stages focus on reducing swelling and regaining movement, progressing to strengthening and balance work, and later to sport-specific training if you’re returning to high-impact activity, which is often possible from around 9 to 12 months post-surgery.

As with any surgery, there are some risks, including infection, blood clots, graft failure or re-tear, and rarely, nerve or blood vessel injury. Swelling, stiffness and discomfort are common in the early weeks and usually improve with physiotherapy. Your surgeon will discuss the specific risks for your case before you go ahead.

For some patients, particularly those with lower activity demands or a partial tear, non-surgical treatment such as physiotherapy and activity modification may be appropriate instead of surgery. Your consultant will discuss whether this is a suitable option for you based on your knee’s stability and your goals.