ACL Centre
“Comprehensive ACL Care — From Injury to Return to Sport”
Whether you are a recreational athlete, a professional sportsperson or simply enjoy an active lifestyle, an ACL injury can be life-changing.
At the ACL Centre, Dr. Anand Jadhav offers comprehensive care covering diagnosis, advanced arthroscopic reconstruction, meniscus preservation, revision surgery and sports rehabilitation using the latest evidence-based techniques.
1. ACL Injuries — Understanding ACL Tears
What is the ACL?
The Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) is one of the most important stabilising ligaments of the knee. It prevents excessive forward movement and rotational instability during activities such as running, pivoting and jumping.
ACL injuries are among the most common sports injuries affecting active individuals.
Common Causes
- Football
- Cricket
- Kabaddi
- Wrestling
- Basketball
- Badminton
- Tennis
- Skiing
- Road Traffic Accidents
Symptoms in ACL Injury
- Pop at the time of injury
- Immediate swelling
- Knee giving way
- Instability
- Difficulty returning to sports
Diagnosis
- Clinical Examination
- X-rays
- MRI Scan
Treatment
- Physiotherapy
- ACL Reconstruction
- Meniscus Preservation
- Return-to-Sport Rehabilitation
2. Why Undergo ACL Reconstruction?
Not every ACL tear requires surgery. However, surgery is usually recommended for:
- Active patients
- Athletes
- Recurrent instability
- Associated meniscus tears
- Multiple ligament injuries
Without a stable ACL, recurrent instability can damage the meniscus and cartilage, increasing the risk of early arthritis. Early reconstruction protects the knee for the future.
3. ACL Reconstruction Surgery
Modern ACL reconstruction is performed arthroscopically through keyhole surgery. The torn ligament is replaced using a tendon graft to restore knee stability.
Advantages
- Small incisions
- Excellent stability
- Faster rehabilitation
- Return to sports
Modern surgery aims not only to replace the ligament but also to restore the knee's natural biomechanics.
4. Graft Options for ACL Reconstruction
Every patient is different. Common graft choices include:
Hamstring Tendon
Small incision · Excellent strength · Most commonly used
Quadriceps Tendon
Increasingly popular · Excellent graft size · Strong fixation
Bone–Patellar Tendon–Bone (BPTB)
Gold standard for elite athletes · Strong bone-to-bone healing
Allograft
Reserved for selected revision or complex cases
Dr. Jadhav recommends the most appropriate graft after considering age, activity level and sporting goals.
5. ACL + LET (Lateral Extra-Articular Tenodesis)
In selected high-risk patients, ACL reconstruction is combined with LET. LET provides additional rotational stability and reduces the risk of graft re-tear.
Suitable for:
- Elite athletes
- Hyperlaxity
- Revision ACL
- Pivoting sports
- Young patients
6. Meniscus Preservation
Save the Meniscus Whenever Possible
The meniscus is the shock absorber of the knee. Modern ACL surgery focuses on repairing rather than removing the meniscus whenever possible.
Procedures include:
- Meniscus Repair
- Meniscus Root Repair
- Ramp Lesion Repair
- Cartilage Preservation
A preserved meniscus protects the knee from future arthritis.
7. Revision ACL Reconstruction
Revision surgery is performed when a previous ACL reconstruction has failed. Reasons include:
- Re-injury
- Tunnel malposition
- Graft failure
- Meniscus deficiency
- Malalignment
Comprehensive planning and treatment of associated problems are essential for successful outcomes. Read more about Revision ACL Reconstruction →
8. Return to Sports After ACL Surgery
Returning to sports safely is just as important as the operation itself. Rehabilitation focuses on:
- Strength
- Balance
- Agility
- Neuromuscular control
- Sport-specific training
Return is based on functional testing rather than time alone.
9. ACL Rehabilitation Programme
Rehabilitation is divided into phases:
Phase 1
Pain control · Swelling reduction · Range of movement
Phase 2
Strengthening · Walking · Balance
Phase 3
Running · Jumping · Agility
Phase 4
Sport-specific drills · Functional testing · Return to play
10. Why Choose Dr. Anand Jadhav?
With over 30 years of experience and 12 years of NHS practice in the United Kingdom, Dr. Anand Jadhav has developed a specialised interest in Sports Knee Surgery and ACL Reconstruction.
His expertise includes:
- Primary ACL Reconstruction
- Revision ACL Reconstruction
- ACL + LET Procedures
- Meniscus Preservation & Root Repairs
- Multi-Ligament Knee Reconstruction
- Cartilage Restoration
- Sports Injury Management
- Return-to-Sport Rehabilitation
Using advanced arthroscopic techniques and evidence-based rehabilitation protocols, his goal is to restore a stable knee, protect long-term joint health and help every patient return safely to the activities they enjoy.
Our Philosophy: Restore Stability • Preserve the Meniscus • Protect the Cartilage • Return to Sport