Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) Repair in Turkey: Techniques, Costs and Results.

ACL repair is a type of ACL surgery used to restore the function of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) without replacing it, as long as the ligament is still viable.

Unlike ACL reconstruction, which replaces the damaged ligament with a graft, ACL repair focuses on preserving the natural ligament whenever possible.

This approach is most effective for partial tears or cases where the ligament remains attached to the bone.

With advanced medical techniques in Turkey, arthroscopic ACL repair has become a highly effective, minimally invasive procedure, offering greater precision, faster healing, and improved overall outcomes.

If you're considering ACL repair and want to explore your treatment options, contact our experts at International Clinics today for a free consultation and personalized advice on the best approach for your recovery!

What Is Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) Repair?

Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) injury is commonly treated through ACL surgery, what is ACL surgery? with two main approaches: ACL repair and ACL reconstruction.

ACL repair is a minimally invasive procedure that aims to restore the function of a torn ACL by preserving and reattaching the damaged ligament whenever possible.

Using arthroscopic techniques, surgeons can stitch the ligament or use biological scaffolds and internal bracing to support healing, reducing the need for large incisions.

However, ACL arthroscopy is only suitable for certain types of tears. In cases of complete rupture or severe damage, particularly in athletes, the ACL injury is often beyond repair.

In these situations, the surgeon must perform an ACL reconstruction, where the damaged ligament is replaced with a graft, typically taken from the hamstring, patellar tendon, or a donor source.

Unlike ACL reconstruction, which replaces the ligament entirely, ACL repair focuses on preserving the original tissue whenever possible.

The decision between ACL arthroscopy and ACL reconstruction surgery depends on the severity of the tear, the patient's age and activity level, and the long-term knee stability required.

When Do You Need ACL Repair?

The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is a strong band of tissue that connects the thigh bone to the shin bone at the knee joint, playing a crucial role in stabilizing movement.

ACL injury is common in sports that involve sudden stops, jumps, or rapid changes in direction, such as skiing, tennis, football, and rugby.

These injuries often occur when the lower leg extends too far forward or when the knee and lower leg twist unnaturally. Common causes of ACL injury include:

• Landing incorrectly from a jump
• Stopping suddenly
• Abruptly changing direction
• Direct collisions, such as a football tackle

When the ACL is torn, the knee may become unstable, lose its full range of motion, and make movement difficult, increasing the risk of further damage if left untreated.

Who Is a Candidate for ACL Repair?

ACL repair is an option in specific cases where the ligament can be preserved instead of fully reconstructed. It may be suitable for:

• Partial ACL tears with good tissue quality
• Acute injuries where the ligament remains attached to the bone (proximal avulsion tears)
• Patients with minimal ligament damage and high healing potential
• Cases where the ACL tear occurs at its attachment site and can be securely reattached

However, for complete ACL tears, poor tissue quality, or mid-substance ligament ruptures, ACL reconstruction—which replaces the torn ligament with a graft—is typically the preferred and more reliable approach.

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Why Choose Turkey for Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) Repair?

If you're considering ACL repair, Turkey is one of the best places to have it done. The country is home to world-class orthopedic surgeons who are highly trained, often holding certifications from prestigious institutions in the U.S. and Europe. Many specialists have extensive experience in sports injuries and minimally invasive techniques, ensuring optimal results.

Turkey also boasts cutting-edge medical facilities equipped with the latest technology, offering comprehensive treatment packages that include surgery, post-operative care, and personalized rehabilitation programs. Many hospitals adhere to international healthcare standards, such as JCI accreditation, ensuring high-quality treatment and patient safety.

By combining the expertise of highly skilled surgeons with cutting-edge technologies like robot-assisted surgery and customized implants, Turkey has become a leading destination for a wide range of orthopedic procedures.

These include knee, hip, and shoulder replacements, as well as complex reconstructive surgeries like flat foot reconstruction. With these advancements, patients benefit from faster recovery, improved mobility, and long-lasting results, making Turkey a top choice for high-quality, affordable orthopedic care.

With shorter waiting times and costs that are a fraction of those in the U.S. or Europe, Turkey has become a top choice for patients seeking high-quality orthopedic care at affordable prices. Whether you need ACL repair or joint replacement, Turkey offers expert care, state-of-the-art technology, and an excellent medical tourism experience.

Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) Repair Cost

The cost of ACL arthroscopic repair in Turkey ranges between $2,500 and $5,000. This price is significantly lower than in Western countries.

This price often includes consultation fees, surgery, anesthesia, hospital stay, and follow-up appointments, making Turkey a cost-effective choice for ACL repair without compromising on quality.

Several factors affect the ACL repair cost including hospital, surgeon’s experience, and additional services such as physiotherapy and post-operative care.

Incorporation of regenerative medicine such as the application of growth factors or platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injection into the knee, to enhance the healing process can further increase the costs of ACL repair.

ACL repair is generally less expensive than ACL reconstruction, which costs between $3,300 and $11,000, depending on the type of graft used.

However, the choice between the two depends on the patient’s condition and whether the torn ligament can be repaired rather than replaced with a graft.

In cases where the ACL is severely damaged, reconstruction is often the only viable option, despite its higher cost.

Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) Repair Procedure

ACL repair is a minimally invasive procedure performed under general or regional anesthesia.

The surgeon uses an arthroscopic approach to assess the ligament damage and reattach the torn ACL using sutures, anchors, or biological scaffolds.

In some cases, injections of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) or growth factors are used to enhance healing.

The surgery typically lasts one to two hours, and patients may be discharged the same day or after a short hospital stay.

Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) Repair Recovery

Recovery after ACL repair is generally faster than ACL reconstruction.

During ACL recovery after arthroscopic repair, patients may need crutches and a knee brace for the first few weeks to protect the healing ligament.

Physical therapy begins early to restore knee mobility, strength, and stability.

Most patients can resume light activities within 6 to 8 weeks, while full recovery, including return to sports, may take 3 to 6 months, depending on the individual’s progress and adherence to rehabilitation.

• First Few Weeks: The patient may need crutches and a knee brace.
• Physical Therapy: Begins early to restore mobility and strength.
• Return to Sports: Typically takes 3 to 6 months, depending on healing and rehab progress.

Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) Repair complications:

While some discomfort is expected after ACL surgery, certain symptoms may indicate complications,bad signs after ACL surgery including:

• Severe swelling and persistent pain that doesn’t improve
• Inability to fully extend or bend the knee after the initial recovery period
• Signs of infection, such as redness, warmth, or pus around the incision
• Unstable or "giving way" sensation in the knee, which may suggest graft failure
• Blood clots with symptoms include calf pain, swelling, or warmth
• Persistent stiffness or limited range of motion beyond the expected recovery timeline

Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) Repair Results

The success rate of ACL repair varies based on factors such as the severity of the injury, patient age, and commitment to rehabilitation. Studies suggest that ACL repair has a success rate of around 70-85% in carefully selected cases, particularly for partial tears or acute injuries where the ligament remains attached to the bone.

What do patients expect after ACL repair?

When successful, ACL repair provides good long-term knee stability and function, allowing patients to return to daily activities, exercise, and even sports.

With proper rehabilitation, many individuals regain near-normal knee movement and strength. However, for complete or complex ACL tears, ACL reconstruction remains the more reliable option, with a higher success rate of 85-95%, as it replaces the damaged ligament with a new graft, reducing the risk of re-tearing.

FAQ:

How long does an ACL tear take to heal without surgery?

A partial ACL tear may heal in 3 to 6 months with rest, physical therapy, and bracing, but a complete tear typically does not heal on its own and may lead to knee instability.

How to sleep after ACL surgery?

Sleep on your back with your leg elevated using pillows to reduce swelling, or on your side with a pillow between your knees for comfort. Avoid sleeping on your stomach, as it may strain your knee.

Best time for ACL surgery after injury?

The best time is 3 to 6 weeks after injury, allowing swelling to decrease and restoring knee motion before surgery for better recovery outcomes.