Table of Content
  • - What is ACL Construction Surgery?
  • - What are Benefits of ACL Reconstruction Surgery?
  • - Who is a Candidate for ACL Reconstruction?
  • - How to prepare for ACL Reconstruction Surgery?
  • - ACL Reconstruction Surgery Steps
  • - ACL Reconstruction Surgery Recovery Timeline and Tips
  • - How Much Does ACL Reconstruction Surgery Cost?
  • - Why Choose Turkey ACL Reconstruction Surgery?
  • - FAQs ACL Reconstruction Surgery

The surgical treatment for a torn ACL is ACL reconstruction surgery, which replaces the damaged ligament with a tissue graft. This graft can either come from the patient’s own body (autograft) or from a donor (allograft), helping to restore normal ligament function and stability.

A torn ACL (anterior cruciate ligament), a ligament crucial for knee stability, often causes the knee to give way or feel unstable during physical activities, particularly during sudden movements such as pivoting or stopping.

Turkey has become a leading destination for ACL reconstruction, thanks to its highly skilled orthopedic surgeons, use of advanced arthroscopic techniques, and a robust medical tourism infrastructure.

What is ACL Construction Surgery?

ACL reconstruction surgery is the standard procedure to repair a torn, it involves replacing the damaged ligament with a tissue graft, which can come from the patient’s own body (autograft) or from a donor (allograft).


Modern ACL reconstruction is typically performed using arthroscopic techniques, where the surgeon makes small incisions to insert a tiny camera and specialized instruments, allowing for precise repair with minimal recovery time.

Two main types of grafts are autografts, using tissue from the patient's own body, and allografts, using tissue from a donor.

What are Benefits of ACL Reconstruction Surgery?

ACL reconstruction provides multiple benefits for patients recovering from a torn ligament. The surgery restores knee stability and normal function, allowing individuals to move confidently without fear of the knee giving way.

It can eliminate severe and chronic pain, improving overall comfort and quality of life. By properly addressing the injury, reconstruction helps prevent long-term complications that can arise from untreated or poorly healed ACL tears.

Patients often regain the ability to exercise, play sports, and maintain an active lifestyle, while also experiencing reduced stress and anxiety about potential pain or further injury.

Patient suffering from complete knee damage can be qualified for another knee surgery known as Knee replacement surgery discover Benefits of Knee Replacement Surgery You Should Know

Who is a Candidate for ACL Reconstruction?

ACL reconstruction is typically recommended for patients with a completely torn and unstable ACL that affects daily activities or sports performance.

It is especially suitable for young, healthy individuals and those with physically demanding jobs who need a stable knee to continue their lifestyle or work.

Athletes aiming to return to competitive sports and active patients who maintain an intensive physical routine are also ideal candidates.

Additionally, the surgery may be considered for those who cannot or prefer not to modify their activities to reduce the risk of further knee damage.

Related topics: Who is a Candidate for Knee Replacement?

How to prepare for ACL Reconstruction Surgery?

Proper preparation is essential for a smooth ACL reconstruction and faster recovery. Patients should complete all prescribed pre-operative X-rays and tests to ensure the knee and overall health are ready for surgery.

It’s important to discuss your full medical history with your doctor, including previous injuries, medications, and any chronic conditions.


Performing pre-surgery physical therapy and exercises helps maintain muscle strength and improves post-operative recovery. Managing swelling before surgery with ice and elevation can make the procedure easier.

Patients are advised to quit smoking, as it promotes better healing and reduces the risk of complications.

On the day of surgery, fasting for about 8 hours is usually required. Finally, it’s wise to arrange transportation and have a helper ready for the first few days after surgery.

ACL Reconstruction Surgery Steps

ACL reconstruction surgery is usually performed using minimally invasive arthroscopic techniques, allowing for a more precise repair and faster recovery. The procedure is done safely under general anesthesia. Surgeons begin by making tiny incisions around the knee to insert an arthroscope, a small camera that guides the operation. The torn ACL is carefully removed, and a new ligament graft—either from the patient (autograft) or a donor (allograft)—is prepared.


Next, the surgeon creates small bone tunnels and carefully inserts the graft through them. The ligament is then secured in place, and the incisions are closed with minimal scarring. The entire procedure typically takes one to three hours, depending on the complexity of the case, ensuring a controlled and efficient repair of the damaged ligament.


ACL Reconstruction Surgery Recovery Timeline and Tips

Recovery from ACL reconstruction surgery typically takes 9 to 12 months or more, depending on the patient’s age, health, and adherence to rehabilitation.

During the first 1–3 weeks, the focus is on managing pain and swelling, caring for the surgical wound, and walking with crutches.


From weeks 3 to 6, patients usually begin walking freely and gradually return to daily activities, guided by physiotherapy. By months 3–4, physical therapy continues while patients start light exercises, jogging, or cycling to rebuild strength and mobility. Full recovery, usually achieved between 6 and 12 months, allows patients to resume normal activities, pain-free and active.

ACL Reconstruction Recovery Timeline Table

Recovery PhaseDurationWhat to expect
Initial RecoveryWeeks 1–3Manage pain and swelling, care for surgical wounds, walk with crutches.
Early MobilityWeeks 3–6Begin walking freely, return gradually to daily activities under physiotherapy guidance.
Rehabilitation & StrengtheningMonths 3–4Continue physical therapy; start light exercises, jogging, or cycling to restore strength and motion.
Full RecoveryMonths 6–12Resume normal life, sports, and active lifestyle; achieve pain-free knee stability.

Post-operative Care After ACL Reconstruction

  1. Managing swelling with ice packs and leg elevation
  2. Pain after ACL reconstruction surgery is usually mild to moderate pain generally subsides within a few weeks.
  3. Physical therapy after ACL reconstruction surgery is crucial to restore knee motion, stability, and strength. It starts early during the initial recovery
  4. Gradual exercises help strengthen muscles and improve the range of motion, while running and more intense activities are reintroduced slowly over several months.
  5. ACL reconstruction surgery performed by minimally invasive arthroscopic technique that leaves only a small scar of only 0.5 to 1 cm, ensuring a cleaner recovery with minimal tissue damage.

How Much Does ACL Reconstruction Surgery Cost?

The cost of ACL reconstruction surgery in Turkey typically ranges between $3,000 and $5,000, covering the surgery itself, anesthesia, and hospital stay.

This makes it significantly more affordable compared to the USA, where the same procedure can cost anywhere from $20,000 to $50,000.

Many clinics offer comprehensive packages that include graft harvesting, physical therapy, pain management, and follow-up visits.

For international patients, some packages also cover travel and accommodation, with prices starting around $6,000. Ultimately, the final cost depends on several factors, including the type of graft, surgical technique, the clinic and surgeon’s reputation, and the inclusions within the chosen package.

Why Choose Turkey ACL Reconstruction Surgery?

ACL reconstruction surgery in Turkey offers a safe, effective, and cost-friendly option with high success rates. Patients can expect pain relief, restored mobility, and return to exercise.


With over 22 years of experience in arthroplasty, Turkey Luxury Clinics is your top choice for expert care. ACL reconstruction in Turkey includes:

  1. ACL reconstruction surgery has a 90–95% success rate with expert care.
  2. Highly experienced orthopedic surgeons with international certifications.
  3. Modern hospitals with minimally invasive and robot-assisted surgery.
  4. Affordable ACL surgery costs with diverse and convenient comprehensive packages.
  5. We commit to follow international standards and patient-focused care.

Contact Turkey Luxury Clinics to learn about ACL surgery packages and get a personalized cost estimate today.

FAQs ACL Reconstruction Surgery