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Last Updated on November 18, 2025 by Ugurkan Demir
An ACL tear can change an athlete’s life, making them wonder about surgery duration and recovery. At Liv Hospital, we know that clear information and trust are as important as the surgery itself.
ACL reconstruction surgery usually lasts 1.5 to 3 hours, with most taking about 2 hours. The time needed depends on the surgical technique, how much other knee damage there is, and the graft type used.
Our team is dedicated to top-notch healthcare and full support for patients from abroad. We’ll look at what affects surgery time and what patients can expect before and after ACL surgery.
It’s important to know about ACL injuries to choose the right treatment. Often, this means surgery. The ACL is a key ligament that keeps the knee stable. An injury can really affect how you move and feel.
The ACL helps keep the knee stable. It stops the shin bone from moving too far forward and controls rotation. It’s vital for everyone, not just athletes, for daily activities and sports.
A damaged ACL can cause instability and pain, making it hard to move or play sports. Doctors say ACL injuries are common in sports that involve quick stops or changes in direction.
ACL tears happen during sports and activities that involve:
These actions can stress the ACL too much, causing tears. Anyone can get an ACL injury from a slip, fall, or accident.
Not every ACL injury needs surgery. The choice to have surgery depends on the injury’s severity, how active you are, and if there’s other knee damage. As
“Surgery is often recommended for individuals who are young, highly active, or have other knee injuries in addition to the ACL tear.”
The surgery aims to make the knee stable and functional again. This way, people can get back to their usual activities.
Many patients wonder how long ACL reconstruction surgery takes. At Liv Hospital, we make sure you know what to expect. We provide detailed care before, during, and after the surgery.
The surgery usually lasts between 1.5 and 3 hours. This can change based on the surgery’s complexity and the surgeon’s skill.
Before surgery, you’ll get ready in the pre-operative area. This includes getting anesthesia, being placed on the table, and cleaning the area. Preparation time is usually 30 minutes to 1 hour.
After surgery, you’ll go to the recovery room. Here, you’ll be watched for any immediate issues. Recovery time is 1 to 2 hours, based on your health and the anesthesia.
In total, you’ll spend about 3 to 6 hours at the hospital or surgical center. This includes preparation and recovery time.
The way ACL reconstruction is done can change how long the surgery takes. At our place, we use different methods. Each one has its own good points and things to think about that can change the surgery time.
ACL reconstruction can be done in two ways: arthroscopic or open surgery. Arthroscopic surgery uses small cameras and tools through tiny cuts. This method causes less damage and helps patients recover faster. Open surgery, with a bigger cut, is sometimes needed for complex cases but is less common.
“Arthroscopic ACL reconstruction is the top choice because it’s less invasive and lets us see the joint well,” says a top orthopedic surgeon.
Modern ACL reconstruction uses new, less invasive methods. These advancements help patients get better faster and make surgeries shorter. They include better arthroscopic tools and new ways to do surgery that are more precise and quick.
The type of surgery affects how long you’re in the operating room. Arthroscopic methods are good for recovery but can take longer because of the need for precision. But our skilled surgeons can do these surgeries quickly, cutting down the time. Open surgery might be quicker but takes longer to recover from, which can balance out the initial time saved.
Using new, less invasive techniques makes surgery better and faster. “The success of ACL reconstruction depends on picking the right method for each patient,” says a senior surgeon.
Choosing the right graft for ACL reconstruction is key. At Liv Hospital, we pick the best graft for each patient. This choice greatly affects the surgery’s success and how long it takes.
An autograft comes from another part of your body. It’s often taken from the hamstring, patellar tendon, or quadriceps tendon. Autografts have a lower risk of rejection and may heal faster. But, they need another surgery site. This can cause more pain and a longer recovery time.
Allografts come from cadaveric donors. They don’t need a second surgery, which can reduce pain and recovery time. But, there’s a small chance of disease transmission. We screen all donor tissue carefully to lower these risks.
Choosing between an autograft and an allograft affects surgery time. Autografts take longer because the graft comes from the patient. Allografts are quicker to get. But, the surgeon’s skill and the case’s complexity also play a role.
| Graft Type | Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|
| Autograft | Lower risk of graft rejection, potentially faster integration | Additional surgical site, potentially for increased post-operative pain |
| Allograft | No second surgical site, potentially less post-operative pain | Slight risk of disease transmission, potentially longer integration time |
At Liv Hospital, we help patients choose the best graft. We consider their needs, lifestyle, and injury details. Our skilled surgeons use both autograft and allograft techniques. This ensures each patient gets the best care.
When there’s extra damage to the knee, like meniscus repairs or cartilage issues, ACL surgery gets more complicated. This can make the surgery longer. The team must fix these problems during the ACL surgery.
Meniscus tears often happen with ACL injuries. Fixing these tears during surgery can make the procedure longer. The type of repair needed affects how long it takes.
Our surgeons use advanced techniques for meniscus repairs. They make sure the repair is done well and quickly.
Cartilage damage can also be present with an ACL tear. Treating it involves different methods, like debridement or microfracture. The method used and the extent of damage influence the treatment time.
Sometimes, patients have injuries to more than one ligament. These need to be fixed during the same surgery. This makes the surgery more complex and longer. Our team is skilled in handling these cases efficiently.
Bone bruises and fractures from ACL injuries can also affect the surgery. While bone bruises might not need surgery, they can impact recovery. Fractures, though, might need to be fixed during surgery, adding to the time.
The table below shows how different knee damage can affect ACL surgery time:
| Type of Damage | Typical Additional Time | Factors Influencing Time |
|---|---|---|
| Meniscus Repair | 15-30 minutes | Complexity of the tear, repair technique |
| Cartilage Damage Treatment | 30-60 minutes | Type of treatment, extent of damage |
| Multiple Ligament Injuries | 60-120 minutes | Number of ligaments, complexity of repair |
| Bone Bruises/Fractures | Variable | Severity of bruise, type of fracture, treatment required |
ACL reconstruction surgery time varies for everyone. At Liv Hospital, we know each patient is unique. We tailor our treatment plans to meet individual needs.
A patient’s age and health are key in determining surgery time. Older patients or those with health issues may need extra care. We carefully evaluate each patient’s health to ensure the best outcomes.
For example, patients with diabetes or heart disease may need more prep time. We help manage these conditions to prepare patients for surgery.
Patients with past knee surgeries face extra challenges. Scar tissue and altered anatomy can make the surgery longer. Our experienced surgeons are skilled in handling these complexities.
Human anatomy varies, affecting ACL reconstruction surgery. Some patients have smaller ACLs or other differences that need a custom approach.
Body weight and muscle mass also impact surgery time. Higher BMI may require more time for exposure and graft harvesting. Patients with significant muscle mass may face a more complex graft harvesting process.
“The success of ACL reconstruction depends on a multitude of factors, including the patient’s overall health, anatomical variations, and the surgeon’s expertise.”
Understanding and addressing these factors helps us optimize ACL reconstruction. This improves outcomes for our patients.
Surgeon experience and the facility where surgery is done are key. At Liv Hospital, we know how important these are for a good surgery.
The surgeon’s skill level greatly affects the surgery’s length and success. A skilled surgeon can handle complex cases and unexpected problems better. This can make the surgery shorter.
“A surgeon’s expertise is not just about technical skills; it’s also about the ability to make swift decisions during the procedure, which can significantly impact the surgery’s duration.”
Choosing between a hospital and an outpatient center can change how long surgery takes. Hospitals can handle more complex cases. But, outpatient centers are quicker for simpler surgeries.
| Facility Type | Average Surgery Time | Recovery Time |
|---|---|---|
| Hospital | 2-3 hours | 2-4 hours |
| Outpatient Center | 1.5-2.5 hours | 1-3 hours |
Good team work and the right equipment are key to a quick surgery. A well-coordinated team can meet the surgeon’s needs quickly.
Places that do a lot of ACL surgeries get better at it. The team gets more skilled, making the surgery faster.
At Liv Hospital, we focus on teamwork, the latest equipment, and lots of successful ACL surgeries. We aim to give our patients the best care quickly.
Before ACL reconstruction surgery, several key steps are important. At Liv Hospital, we focus on preparing patients well. This helps ensure the best results.
It’s vital to lower inflammation before surgery. High inflammation can make surgery harder and slow recovery. We suggest using RICE (rest, ice, compression, elevation) to reduce swelling. Anti-inflammatory drugs may also be given to control inflammation.
Pre-habilitation, or pre-hab, is about exercises and therapy before surgery. It improves knee strength and function. Our physical therapists create a custom pre-hab program for each patient. This includes:
Pre-hab can make recovery faster and outcomes better. It helps patients avoid complications and achieve a successful recovery.
Waiting too long to have ACL reconstruction surgery can harm the knee. Risks include:
Long delays can also cause chronic knee instability. This makes it harder to get the knee working right again.
Operating too soon after an ACL injury also has risks. Surgery when the knee is inflamed or swollen can lead to:
At Liv Hospital, we carefully decide when to do ACL reconstruction surgery. We balance the risks of delay against the need for inflammation to go down.
Getting ready for ACL reconstruction surgery can be nerve-wracking. But knowing what to expect can make things easier. At Liv Hospital, we aim to make your experience as smooth as possible.
You’ll need to arrive at the hospital a few hours before your surgery. Our team will help you with the registration and get you ready for surgery. You’ll wear a hospital gown and get an IV for medication and fluids.
There are different anesthesia options for ACL surgery. Your anesthesiologist will choose the best one for you. General anesthesia makes you sleep through it. Regional anesthesia numbs your lower body, so you can stay awake.
| Anesthesia Type | Description | Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| General Anesthesia | You are asleep during the procedure. | No awareness or pain during surgery. |
| Regional Anesthesia | Lower body is numbed. | Can be used in combination with general anesthesia for additional pain control. |
The ACL reconstruction surgery has several steps:
After surgery, you’ll go to the recovery room. Our team will watch your vital signs and manage pain. You might feel swelling, pain, or nausea, but these are usually temporary and can be managed with medication. Once you’re stable, you’ll go home to recover.
At Liv Hospital, we’re committed to your care throughout your ACL journey. Our team works hard to ensure a smooth and successful recovery for you.
Knowing what affects ACL surgery time is key for patients. At Liv Hospital, we aim to give top-notch care to all patients, including those from abroad.
We look at many things to plan your treatment. This includes the surgery method, graft type, any other knee issues, your health, and the surgeon’s skill. We make a plan that fits you best for the best results.
Helping you understand your surgery helps you be part of your recovery. We listen to your worries and questions. This way, you’re ready for your ACL surgery journey.
By choosing wisely about your ACL surgery, you can get the best results. You’ll be able to do your usual activities with confidence again.
ACL reconstruction surgery usually lasts between 1.5 and 3 hours. The exact time can change based on several factors. These include the surgery’s complexity and the surgeon’s experience.
Several things can change how long ACL reconstruction surgery takes. These include the graft type, any extra knee damage, patient factors, and the surgeon’s skill.
The graft type, autograft or allograft, can affect surgery time. Autografts might take longer to prepare. Allografts might be quicker.
Yes, extra knee damage can make surgery longer. This includes meniscus repairs, cartilage damage, or injuries to other ligaments.
A more experienced surgeon can often do the surgery faster. This can make the whole procedure shorter.
Arthroscopic surgery is less invasive and can lead to quicker recovery. Open surgery uses a bigger incision. The approach chosen can affect surgery time.
Recovery times vary, but most people can get back to normal in 6-12 months. It depends on the individual.
Pre-habilitation can reduce inflammation and improve knee function. It prepares the patient for surgery, leading to a smoother recovery.
Waiting too long can increase the risk of more knee damage. This might make surgery more complex and longer.
On surgery day, you’ll go through preparation and anesthesia. Then, the surgery will be done. Our team will help you through every step.
National Health Service (NHS). (n.d.). ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) surgery: How it’s done. Retrieved from https://www.nhs.uk/tests-and-treatments/acl-anterior-cruciate-ligament-surgery/how-its-done/
NewYork-Presbyterian (NYP). (n.d.). ACL reconstruction. Retrieved from https://www.nyp.org/orthopedics/acl-reconstruction
