What Is an ACL Injury?
The ACL is a key ligament that stabilises the knee. It's commonly torn during sports involving sudden stops, pivots or landing (football, basketball, netball, skiing). Signs include a 'pop' at the time of injury, rapid swelling, and a feeling that the knee 'gives way'. ACL tears often occur with other injuries (meniscus, cartilage), which an MRI helps identify.
Surgery vs Conservative Treatment
- Conservative (rehab): Some people — particularly those with lower physical demands or partial tears — manage well with structured physiotherapy to strengthen the surrounding muscles.
- ACL reconstruction: Recommended for active individuals, athletes, those with recurrent instability, or significant associated injuries. The torn ligament is replaced with a graft (from your own hamstring/patellar tendon or a donor) via keyhole (arthroscopic) surgery.
Recovery & Return to Sport
- Weeks 0–2: Control swelling, regain range of motion, begin gentle strengthening.
- Weeks 6–12: Progressive strengthening and balance work.
- Months 3–6: Running and sport-specific drills as cleared.
- Months 9–12: Return to pivoting sports — only after meeting strength and functional criteria, to reduce re-injury risk.
Rehabilitation quality is as important as the surgery itself for a good outcome.
Choosing a Surgeon
ACL reconstruction is performed by orthopaedic surgeons, often with a sports-medicine focus. Discuss graft choice, the surgeon's experience with athletes, and the rehabilitation programme. Committed physiotherapy over 9–12 months is essential.
Frequently Asked Questions
See who practises in this field: subspecialty focus, credentials and clinic websites, checked against public records.
Browse orthopaedic surgeons →Private ACL reconstruction typically costs S$15,000–S$28,000+ including surgeon, facility, implants and anaesthesia. Subsidised rates apply at public hospitals. As a medically indicated procedure, it's Medisave-claimable up to limits and often Shield-covered. Physiotherapy is an additional ongoing cost.
Not always. Active individuals, athletes and those with recurrent knee instability or associated injuries usually benefit from reconstruction. People with lower physical demands or partial tears may do well with structured physiotherapy. Your surgeon advises based on your activity level and knee stability.
Return to pivoting sports typically takes 9–12 months and depends on meeting strength and functional milestones — not just time. Returning too early raises the risk of re-injury. Diligent rehabilitation is essential.
Yes. ACL reconstruction is a medically necessary procedure and is Medisave-claimable up to surgical limits, often with Integrated Shield Plan coverage. Confirm with the clinic.
General information only — not medical advice. Always verify a doctor’s SMC registration and discuss your individual circumstances with a qualified specialist.