ACL Reconstruction Surgery in Europe

What is ACL reconstruction surgery?

ACL reconstruction surgery is the most widely performed surgical treatment for a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). It is used to rebuild the ligament when it has been torn and cannot be directly repaired.

The ACL is one of the knee's main stabilising ligaments, running through the centre of the joint. It controls rotation and forward movement of the lower leg, and is particularly important during activities that involve pivoting, changing direction or sudden stops. When the ACL tears completely, the knee typically feels unstable and may give way, making a return to sport or high-demand physical activity difficult or impossible without treatment.

During ACL reconstruction, the torn ligament is removed and replaced with a tendon graft. This graft is taken either from another part of the patient's own body — most commonly the patellar tendon or hamstring tendons — or from a donor. The graft is positioned inside the knee and fixed securely, where it gradually integrates with the surrounding bone and tissue, developing over time into a new functioning ligament. Because the graft needs time to heal and integrate fully, recovery from ACL reconstruction is longer than from ACL repair. Return to sport typically takes 9 to 12 months.

For patients whose tear is located near the bone attachment and whose ligament tissue is in good condition, ACL repair may be an alternative to reconstruction. Your specialist will advise which approach is right for your specific injury.

Through My Medical Gateway, ACL reconstruction surgery is available at accredited hospitals in Lithuania, with packages starting from £3,458.

Am I a candidate for ACL reconstruction?

ACL reconstruction is most commonly recommended for patients who:

• Have a complete or severe ACL tear, typically confirmed by MRI or clinical examination
• Experience significant knee instability, repeated giving-way episodes or an inability to return to physical activity
• Are often younger or active patients, particularly those involved in sport, manual work or activities that involve pivoting or sudden changes of direction
• Have a tear that is not in a suitable location or condition for direct ACL repair

ACL reconstruction is suitable for a wide range of patients. Older or less active patients may also be candidates where instability is affecting quality of life, though the decision will depend on overall health, activity goals and individual circumstances. Your My Medical Gateway-partnered specialist will carry out a thorough assessment before any treatment is confirmed. You will not proceed to surgery without a formal consultation and your fully informed consent.

NHS waiting times for ACL reconstruction surgery

NHS waiting times for ACL surgery vary significantly by region and Trust, but many patients face waits of 40 to 60 weeks or more for elective orthopaedic procedures. For active patients, this length of delay also carries a risk of further damage to the knee, as an unstable joint can accumulate injury to the cartilage and meniscus while waiting.

For patients who cannot wait, My Medical Gateway offers access to accredited European hospitals with ACL reconstruction packages starting from £3,458.

What is included in a My Medical Gateway Treatment Package?

Treatment packages typically include:

• Pre-operative diagnosis and consultations with your specialist
• The surgical procedure, including graft materials and all surgical equipment
• Hospital accommodation for the duration of your stay, often day surgery or a one-night stay
• Nursing care and initial post-operative physiotherapy
• 90-day check-up with your surgical team

Flights and accommodation in the destination country are not included. Your hospitals MMG coordinator can advise on travel planning.

Pricing and payment

ACL reconstruction surgery through My Medical Gateway starts from £3,458.

Recovery after ACL reconstruction

Recovery from ACL reconstruction takes longer than ACL repair because the graft needs time to heal and integrate with the surrounding tissue. As a general guide:

• Hospital stay: often day surgery or one night
• Early recovery: weight-bearing typically begins with crutches and sometimes a knee brace
• Rehabilitation: physiotherapy starts within days of surgery to restore movement and reduce swelling
• Return to daily activities: usually around 4 to 8 weeks depending on progress
• Return to sport: often 9 to 12 months depending on graft healing, strength recovery and rehabilitation progress

Your surgical team will provide a personalised rehabilitation programme before you leave hospital.

Recovery times may vary with each provider.

Benefits of ACL reconstruction surgery

For patients with a significant ACL tear, reconstruction offers clear, evidence-based benefits:

• Restores stability to the knee joint, reducing or eliminating giving-way episodes
• Supports a safe return to sport, exercise and high-demand physical activities
• Reduces the risk of further meniscus or cartilage damage caused by an unstable knee
• Improves confidence, mobility and long-term knee function.

Many patients who try to manage a significant ACL tear with physiotherapy alone continue to experience instability and risk accumulating further knee damage over time. Reconstruction addresses the structural problem directly.

Risks and considerations

As with any surgical procedure, ACL reconstruction carries risks that your surgeon will discuss with you before proceeding. These include:

• Surgical risks including infection, blood clots, bleeding or nerve injury
• Graft failure, stretching or re-rupture
• Knee stiffness or reduced range of movement
• Persistent pain, swelling or instability
• Donor site discomfort where the graft is taken from your own tendon.

Your specialist orthopaedic surgeon will assess your individual risk profile during your consultation and will ensure you can give fully informed consent before any treatment takes place. This page provides a general overview only.

Why choose My Medical Gateway?

My Medical Gateway works only with carefully selected European hospitals chosen for clinical quality, safety and proven outcomes.

Every hospital on the My Medical Gateway platform is assessed for clinical and quality standards before being made available to patients. We work exclusively with specialist orthopaedic departments with established track records in procedures including ACL reconstruction surgery.

For younger, active patients who cannot afford to wait 40 to 60 weeks for an NHS referral, access to faster, high-quality treatment in Europe can make a significant difference to long-term knee health. Every week of instability before surgery carries a risk of further damage to the meniscus or cartilage.

When you enquire with My Medical Gateway, you will speak with a member of our UK-based patient coordination team. We will guide you through your hospital options, explain the process clearly and support you from initial enquiry through to your return home.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between ACL reconstruction and ACL repair?

ACL reconstruction removes the torn ligament and replaces it with a tendon graft. ACL repair preserves and reattaches the original ligament, and is suitable only where the tear is in a specific location and the tissue is still healthy enough to heal. My Medical Gateway offers both procedures. Your specialist will assess your injury to determine which is appropriate for you.

What type of graft is used in ACL reconstruction?

There are three main graft options. A patellar tendon autograft uses a strip of tendon from the front of the knee. A hamstring tendon autograft uses tendons from the back of the thigh and has a less prominent donor site. An allograft uses tendon from a donor rather than the patient's own body. Each has different characteristics in terms of strength, recovery and donor site considerations. Your surgeon will discuss which graft type is most appropriate for your age, activity level and anatomy.

Can I have ACL reconstruction if I also have a meniscus tear?

Yes. It is common for an ACL tear to occur alongside a meniscus injury. Where both injuries are present, the surgeon may address them in the same operation or in staged procedures, depending on the nature and severity of each. Your specialist will assess both injuries at consultation.

Will I need physiotherapy on returning to the UK?

Yes. Physiotherapy is one of the most important factors in a successful outcome after ACL reconstruction. You will continue a structured rehabilitation programme with a UK-based physiotherapist for several months. My Medical Gateway will support you in arranging follow-up care. You should also inform your GP of your procedure.