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ACL Reconstruction in Rotherham
At Kinvara Private Hospital in Rotherham, our knee specialists utilize minimally invasive arthroscopic techniques to reconstruct the torn ligament. Our consultant-led team focuses on precision surgery combined with a rigorous, phased rehabilitation program, ensuring you have the best possible chance of returning to your pre-injury level of sport safely and confidently.
Medically Reviewed By
Mr Vasu Karri, MBBS, BSc(Hons), MSc, FRCS(Plast) • Updated 2026-06-02
ACL reconstruction is a keyhole knee operation that replaces a torn anterior cruciate ligament with a tendon graft, restoring rotational stability so you can return to pivoting sports like football, netball, rugby and skiing. At Kinvara Private Hospital in Rotherham, three consultant knee surgeons (Mr Janos Patko, Mr Andy Legg and Mr Ed Holloway) perform ACL reconstruction as a day-case procedure using arthroscopic technique, anatomical graft placement and high-tensile fixation.
We offer a fixed-price package that includes the consultant surgeon, anaesthetist, theatre, hospital stay, graft fixation devices, rapid-access MRI and initial post-operative physiotherapy referral. Self-pay costs typically range from £5,200 to £6,800 with 0% interest finance available over 12 months through Humm.
Most patients are seen within 1 to 2 weeks of enquiry, with surgery scheduled within 4 to 6 weeks of the decision to operate. We see professional and amateur athletes, students and active adults from Rotherham, Sheffield, Doncaster, Barnsley, Wakefield, Leeds and the wider Yorkshire region. Return to non-pivoting sport is typically 6 months, return to full pivoting and contact sport is 9 to 12 months, dictated by graft biology and objective return-to-sport testing rather than the calendar.
Is Surgery Necessary?
• You participate in pivoting sports (football, netball, rugby, etc.).
• Your knee feels unstable or 'gives way' during daily activities.
• You have associated injuries like a meniscal tear that also needs repair.
• You have high physical demands for work (e.g., construction, emergency services).
• Specialized 'rehab-only' protocols have failed to restore your knee stability.
Our All-Inclusive Promise
- Fixed-price quotes for all ACL reconstruction procedures
- Includes all hospital, consultant, and anaesthetic fees
- High-tensile fixation devices (buttons/screws) included in the price
- Initial post-operative physiotherapy referral and protocols provided
- Rapid-access MRI and diagnostic follow-ups included
ACL Reconstruction vs. Repair
Because the ACL has a poor blood supply, it rarely heals on its own when completely torn. In most cases, the ligament must be 'reconstructed' using a new piece of tissue (a graft).
At Kinvara Hospital, we offer several graft options tailored to your age and sport:
• Hamstring Autograft: The most common choice, using two of the tendons from the back of your thigh.
• Patellar Tendon Autograft: Often preferred by professional athletes for its high tensile strength and bone-to-bone healing.
• Quadriceps Tendon Graft: An increasingly popular option that provides a thick, robust graft with less donor-site pain than the patellar tendon.
Our surgeons use 'anatomical' placement techniques, meaning the graft is positioned exactly where the original ligament was, providing superior rotational stability compared to older methods.
At a Glance
Surgery Duration
60 - 90 minutes
Anaesthetic
General + Nerve Block
Hospital Stay
Day Case or 1 Night
Walking Again
Immediate (with crutches)
Technique
Arthroscopic (Keyhole)
Return to Sport
9 - 12 months
Benefits of This Procedure
- Restores rotational stability required for high-intensity pivoting sports
- Protects the meniscus (cartilage) from secondary tears caused by instability
- Minimizes the risk of developing early-onset post-traumatic osteoarthritis
- Keyhole technique reduces scarring and post-operative pain
- Allows for a predictable, structured return to athletic competition
- Consultant-led care ensures a personalized graft selection and rehab plan
The Procedure
The procedure is performed through small keyhole incisions, using a high-definition camera to guide the surgeon.
- 1
The chosen graft (e.g., hamstring tendon) is harvested through a small incision.
- 2
The knee is inspected via arthroscopy to treat any associated meniscal or cartilage damage.
- 3
The remnants of the torn ACL are removed to clear the joint space.
- 4
Precision tunnels are drilled into the tibia (shin bone) and femur (thigh bone).
- 5
The new graft is pulled through the tunnels and positioned across the joint.
- 6
The graft is secured at both ends using specialized 'buttons' or dissolvable screws.
- 7
The surgeon tests the stability and tension of the graft before closing the portals.
- 8
A compression bandage is applied, and you are moved to recovery.
The Return-to-Sport Roadmap
Recovery Timeline
Week 0-2
Protection Phase. Focus on reducing swelling and regaining full knee extension (straightening).
Week 2-12
Strengthening Phase. Gradual increase in weight-bearing. Focus on 'quad' and hamstring activation.
Month 3-6
Functional Phase. Reintroduction of jogging, cycling, and linear running drills.
Month 6-12
Sports-Specific Phase. Pivoting, jumping, and contact training begin once strength milestones are met.
Key Recovery Points
- The graft is actually at its weakest between 6-12 weeks; do not rush into impact activity
- Full knee straightening must be achieved in the first 2 weeks to prevent long-term stiffness
- Compliance with the 9-12 month physiotherapy program is the biggest predictor of a successful return to sport
- You will likely be able to drive an automatic car within 2-4 weeks (if it's the left leg)
Risks and Complications
ACL reconstruction is highly successful, but you should be aware of:
Graft Failure
Low (5-8%)The new ligament can tear if subjected to a new injury or premature impact.
Knee Stiffness
ModerateDifficulty regaining full range of motion; mitigated by early physiotherapy.
Numbness
CommonSmall patches of skin numbness around the incision sites (common and usually temporary).
Infection
Very Rare (<1%)Standard surgical risk, kept extremely low by sterile hospital techniques.
Frequently Asked Questions
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