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Consultation · Kanakapura Road, Bengaluru
Discuss your treatment options with Dr Vijay Chandar
Assessment and follow-up at VBJ Bone & Joint Clinic, Vajarahalli. Indicated surgery at Manipal Hospitals, Kanakapura Road; rehabilitation coordinated with the physiotherapy team.
Monday–Saturday: 9:30 AM–1:30 PM and 5:00 PM–8:30 PM. Sunday closed.
Doctor consultations: 10:30 AM–1:30 PM and 5:30 PM–8:30 PM.
The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is one of the key stabilisers of the knee. Complete tears, often sustained during cutting and pivoting sports, can lead to a sense of instability and recurrent episodes of giving-way. For some patients — particularly those who want to return to pivoting sport or whose knee is unstable in daily life — surgical reconstruction may be appropriate.
Not every ACL tear requires surgery. Some patients, depending on activity profile, meniscal status and functional stability, do well with structured rehabilitation. The decision is individualised after examination, imaging and a conversation about goals.
What ACL and ligament surgery can involve
ACL reconstruction
Replacement of the torn ligament with a graft (commonly a hamstring, quadriceps or patellar tendon autograft), performed arthroscopically through small incisions.
Multi-ligament surgery
For more complex injuries involving multiple knee ligaments, where staged or combined reconstructions may be appropriate.
Associated meniscus work
Many ACL injuries have an associated meniscus injury which is assessed and addressed in the same procedure where appropriate.
Revision ACL surgery
Revision reconstruction in appropriately selected patients where a previous ACL has failed.
Return to sport is criteria-based
Return to pivoting sport after ACL surgery is a goal-based rather than calendar-based process. Progression through phases of rehabilitation — early protection, strength and neuromuscular work, running progression, sport-specific drills — is guided by functional testing rather than a specific month. Timelines vary between patients.
Realistic expectations. ACL reconstruction aims to restore functional stability of the knee and permit return to activity. It is not a guarantee of returning to the same level of sport, and re-injury of the reconstructed ligament or the other knee can occur. Recognised risks include infection, stiffness, graft-related issues and the usual anaesthetic risks. These are discussed in detail at consultation.
What happens during an ACL assessment?
The consultation connects the injury history with how your knee functions now: swelling, giving-way, range of movement and the activities you want to return to. Examination and an MRI, when appropriate, help assess the ACL and associated meniscus or cartilage injuries. Bring the images as well as the written report if you have them.
How the treatment decision is made
Rehabilitation and reconstruction are discussed in the context of knee stability and activity goals. Associated injuries and repeated giving-way can change the decision. Where surgery is chosen, preoperative preparation may address swelling, movement and muscle activation. The graft and rehabilitation plan are explained before consent.
Your rehabilitation pathway
Early rehabilitation restores movement and muscle control while protecting associated repairs. Later phases build strength, running capacity and sport-specific skills. Return to sport requires a review of function and readiness; feeling better alone does not establish that the knee is ready.
Explore ACL rehabilitation · ACL surgery or physiotherapy? · Understanding ACL tears
What to clarify before surgery
Ask which graft is proposed, whether the meniscus also needs treatment, what weight-bearing or movement restrictions apply, and how follow-up will be coordinated. Discuss work, stairs, transport and the support you will need at home.
Further patient information: AAOS OrthoInfo. General education supports an individual consultation.
Frequently asked questions
Do all ACL tears need surgery?
No. The decision is individualised based on the degree of instability, activity goals, meniscus status and the patient’s wishes. Non-operative management with structured rehabilitation is appropriate for some patients.
How long before I can return to sport?
Return to pivoting sport is typically a multi-month process guided by functional testing rather than a specific date. The programme is phased, criteria-based and progresses under the physiotherapist’s supervision.
Which graft is used?
The choice of graft (hamstring, quadriceps, patellar tendon) depends on the patient, the activity profile and any previous surgery. The reasoning for the recommended graft is explained at your preoperative consultation.
Dr. Vijay Chandar R.
Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon and founder of VBJ Bone & Joint Clinic on Kanakapura Road, Bengaluru. More than 15 years of clinical practice and over 2,000 orthopaedic procedures performed. Consultations are at VBJ Bone & Joint Clinic; indicated surgical procedures are performed at Manipal Hospitals, Kanakapura Road.
No. 65/3, 100 Feet Road, Kanakapura Main Road, Vajarahalli, Balaji Layout, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560109 · +91 89711 02779
Need an orthopaedic assessment?
Bring recent X-rays, MRI reports or medical records to your consultation. We'll examine you, review your imaging and recommend an appropriate treatment path.