“I tore my ACL landing from a jump. A year later, I'm back to competitive football.”
SPORTS & SHOULDER SURGERY
ACL
ACL
Reconstruction
Arthroscopic ACL reconstruction built for athletes — restoring knee stability so you can pivot, cut and compete with confidence again.
ACL reconstruction, at a glance.
A quick summary of what the procedure involves, who it's for, and what to expect — from recovery to cost.
ACL reconstruction replaces a torn ACL with a tendon graft, restoring the stability needed for pivoting and cutting sports. Recommended for athletes wanting to return to competitive sport, since the ACL doesn't reliably heal on its own. Light jogging begins around 3 to 4 months, with a full return to competitive sport around 9 to 12 months once testing confirms readiness.
ABOUT THE TREATMENT
Rebuilding Stability for Your Return to Sport
An ACL tear, often from a sudden pivot, deceleration or awkward landing, leaves the knee unstable for the cutting and pivoting movements sport demands. Dr. Unmesh reconstructs the ligament arthroscopically using a tendon graft, selected to suit your sport and anatomy, and secured through precisely placed bone tunnels. Every stage of rehabilitation after surgery is built around getting you back to competition safely.
Minimally invasive
technique
technique
Graft matched
to your sport
to your sport
Tested
return to sport
return to sport
OUR SURGICAL APPROACH
Arthroscopic Technique
-
01
Detailed imaging & graft planning
-
02
Small keyhole incisions for camera & instruments
-
03
Graft secured & tested — Dr. Unmesh confirms stability before closing
BENEFITS
Benefits of ACL
Reconstruction
Precision-guided surgery built to restore the stability your sport demands.
01
Restored Knee
Restored Knee
Stability
A reconstructed ACL restores the stability pivoting sports demand.
02
Minimally
Minimally
Invasive
Small keyhole incisions mean less tissue disruption and scarring.
03
Graft Matched
Graft Matched
to Your Sport
Graft choice is tailored to the demands of your specific sport.
04
Protects Other
Protects Other
Structures
Restoring stability helps protect the meniscus and cartilage long-term.
05
High-Definition
High-Definition
Precision
Arthroscopic camera guidance helps ensure accurate graft placement.
06
Tested Return
Tested Return
to Competition
Functional testing confirms your knee is ready before you return to sport.
WHY CHOOSE DR. UNMESH
Experience. Expertise. Better Outcomes.
A patient-first approach, backed by years of experience and advanced surgical expertise, to help you move better and live pain-free.
19+
Years of
Experience
Experience
1,100+
Joint & Sports
Surgeries
Surgeries
14,000+
Surgeries
Performed
Performed
“
Surgery is never the first conversation — my goal is to help you move better and live pain-free, with or without an operation.
— Dr. UnmeshSYMPTOMS & WHO NEEDS IT?
Could You Need
ACL
Reconstruction?
Not every ACL injury needs surgery. If your knee feels unstable and you want to return to pivoting sport, it may be time for an assessment.
-
01
A Feeling of Knee Instability
The knee feels like it may give way, especially when pivoting.
-
02
A Pivoting or Landing Injury
Symptoms began with a sudden pivot, deceleration or awkward landing.
-
03
monitoring
Imaging Confirms an ACL Tear
MRI shows a partial or complete tear of the ACL.
-
04
sports_soccer
A Return-to-Sport Goal
You want to return to cutting, pivoting or contact sport confidently.
-
05
Limited Response to Conservative Care
Instability that hasn't improved enough with physiotherapy alone.
-
06
Concern for Other Knee Structures
Ongoing instability risks damage to the meniscus and cartilage over time.
HOW THE SURGERY WORKS
A Step-by-Step Journey
From consultation to return to sport, here's what the ACL reconstruction process looks like.
01
Consultation & Evaluation
We review your injury, sporting goals and knee stability together.
02
view_in_ar
Advanced Imaging & Graft Planning
MRI confirms the tear and helps plan the best graft for your sport.
03
content_cut
Arthroscopic Reconstruction
The torn ACL is replaced with a tendon graft through small keyhole incisions.
04
Staged Rehabilitation
A structured programme progresses from motion and strength to sport-specific movement.
05
Return-to-Sport Testing
Strength, hop and agility testing confirm you're ready before full competition.
RECOVERY TIMELINE
What to Expect After Surgery
Graft healing and retraining take time — here's a general guide to your return to sport.
Week 1–4
Early MotionSwelling control and regaining full range of motion.
EARLY RECOVERYMonth 1–3
Building StrengthProgressive strengthening of the leg and core.
GRAFT PROTECTIONMonth 3–6
Running & AgilityLight jogging progresses into agility and sport-specific drills.
RETURN TO RUNNINGMonth 6–9
Sport-Specific TrainingCutting, pivoting and contact drills are progressively introduced.
BUILDING CONFIDENCE9–12 Months
Return to CompetitionFull return to competitive sport once testing confirms readiness.
BACK TO SPORT
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Your Questions, Answered
How do ACL tears usually happen in sport?
Most ACL tears happen without contact, during sudden deceleration, pivoting or landing awkwardly from a jump, common in football, basketball and similar sports.
Do I need surgery for an ACL tear?
It depends on your activity goals and the stability of your knee. Athletes who want to return to pivoting or cutting sports generally benefit from reconstruction, since the ACL doesn't reliably heal on its own.
What graft is used for ACL reconstruction?
Common graft choices include hamstring tendon or patellar tendon autografts, taken from your own body. Dr. Unmesh will recommend the graft best suited to your sport and anatomy.
How is ACL reconstruction performed?
Dr. Unmesh performs ACL reconstruction arthroscopically, removing the torn ligament and replacing it with a tendon graft secured through bone tunnels using small keyhole incisions.
How long does the surgery take?
ACL reconstruction typically takes 60 to 90 minutes, depending on the graft type and whether any associated injuries, like a meniscus tear, need to be addressed at the same time.
How long until I can return to training?
Light jogging typically begins around 3 to 4 months, with sport-specific agility and cutting drills introduced from around 6 months, depending on your progress.
When can I return to competitive sport?
Most athletes return to competitive, pivoting sport around 9 to 12 months after surgery, once strength and functional testing confirm the knee is ready.
Will I need a knee brace?
A brace is often used in the early weeks after surgery to protect the graft, with use guided by your specific rehabilitation programme.
How is return-to-sport readiness assessed?
Before clearing you for full competition, Dr. Unmesh's rehabilitation programme includes strength, hop and agility testing to confirm your knee can handle the demands of your sport safely.
Am I a candidate for ACL reconstruction?
Candidacy depends on your knee stability, activity goals and any associated injuries. Dr. Unmesh will confirm suitability through examination and MRI assessment.