ACL Surgery in Singapore

Treatment

Treatment

What Is an ACL Tear?

The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is one of four major ligaments in the knee. It connects the thigh bone (femur) to the shin bone (tibia) and plays a critical role in stabilising the knee during movement.

An ACL tear occurs when this ligament is overstretched or torn, either partially or completely. Without it, the knee may feel unstable and prone to “giving way.”

ACL Surgery in Singapore

What Causes an ACL Tear?

ACL injuries commonly result from activities involving:

  • Sudden stops or changes in direction
  • Pivoting on a planted foot
  • Landing awkwardly from a jump
  • Direct trauma to the knee (e.g. football tackle)

These mechanisms make ACL tears especially common in sports such as football, basketball, netball, skiing, and rugby.

ACL Surgery in Singapore

Symptoms of an ACL Tear

Typical signs and symptoms include:

  • A loud “pop” at the moment of injury
  • Rapid swelling in the knee (usually within hours)
  • Pain and difficulty bearing weight
  • A feeling of instability, or the knee “giving way”
  • Reduced range of motion

If you experience these symptoms, especially after a sports injury or fall, it’s best to consult a doctor early.

Can an ACL Tear Heal Without Surgery?

Some partial tears or cases involving low-demand individuals (those who don’t engage in sports or physical labour) may respond well to physiotherapy and bracing.

However, a complete ACL tear is unlikely to heal on its own. Without surgical intervention, you may continue to experience instability, especially during pivoting or twisting movements.

ACL Surgery in Singapore

When Does an ACL Tear Require Surgery?

ACL reconstruction surgery is generally advised when:

  • The ligament is fully torn and the knee remains unstable
  • You participate in sports or physically demanding activities
  • Other knee structures (like the meniscus) are also damaged
  • Non-surgical treatments have failed to resolve symptoms

The aim of surgery is to restore stability and function, and prevent long-term joint damage.

ACL Surgery in Singapore

What Happens During an ACL Surgery?

Plantar fasciitis surgery aims to relieve pain by addressing issues with the plantar fascia. The procedure generally involves the following steps:

General anaesthesia is administered to ensure comfort during the procedure.

Small incisions are made around the knee to insert an arthroscope (tiny camera), allowing for precise, minimally invasive surgery and faster recovery.

A tendon graft is harvested from your own body (commonly the hamstring or patellar tendon) or from a donor to replace the torn ACL.

Small tunnels are drilled in the femur and tibia to correctly position the new graft.

The graft is threaded through these tunnels to mimic the original ACL’s path.

The graft is secured with screws or other devices so it can integrate with the bone over time.

The incisions are closed, a dressing is applied, and you’ll be monitored in recovery before discharge.

Over time, the graft integrates with your body and takes on the function of the original ligament.

ACL Surgery in Singapore

How Long Does ACL Surgery Take?

The surgery typically takes about 2 hours. Most patients are discharged the same day, although some may stay overnight based on specific medical needs.

ACL Surgery in Singapore

ACL Surgery Recovery Time

Recovery involves structured physiotherapy and lifestyle adjustments. Here’s a general overview:

Hospital Recovery Timeline

  • Same day / Day 1: Begin gentle knee motion and learn to walk with crutches.
  • 1–2 days post-op: Most patients are discharged once mobile and comfortable.

Walking Timeline

  • Week 1–2: Walking with crutches; weight-bearing as advised.
  • Week 3–6: Gradual return to full weight-bearing.
  • By 6–8 weeks: Most can walk unaided and resume light daily tasks.

Exercise Timeline

  • Weeks 1–6: Focus on range of motion and activating thigh muscles.
  • 6 weeks – 3 months: Progress to strength training and cycling.
  • 3–6 months: Introduce light jogging and agility work.
  • 6–9+ months: Return to sport-specific drills. Most athletes return to sport between 9–12 Months.
ACL Surgery in Singapore

How Much Does ACL Surgery Cost in Singapore?

ACL surgery in Singapore costs approximately $32,348 in a private hospital, based on the Ministry of Health’s (MOH) fee benchmarks. However, the actual cost may vary depending on several factors—such as the complexity of the injury, type of graft used, the ward class selected, and whether an extended hospital stay is needed for recovery or monitoring. This estimated cost is before insurance claims, and patients with an Integrated Shield Plan may have a large portion of the cost covered.