Keyhole ACL Repair: Get Athletes Back on the Field in Weeks

Dec 14, 2025 - 08:35
Keyhole ACL Repair: Get Athletes Back on the Field in Weeks

Have you ever wondered why athletes with serious knee injuries can return to the field so quickly today? The reason lies in modern sports medicine and advanced arthroscopic (keyhole) surgical techniques that allow faster healing with minimal tissue damage. In India, these technologies and treatments are growing rapidly as more people participate in sports and seek expert care for joint injuries. Sports medicine and arthroscopy are experiencing significant growth across the country, driven by greater sports participation and improved surgical technology. The sports medicine market in India is expected to reach a projected revenue of US$ 619.6 million by 2033, advancing at a strong CAGR of 9.4% from 2025 to 2033.


Dr. Ajay Singh Thakur, Consultant – Orthopaedic Surgery, Arthroscopy & Sports Medicine, STAR Hospitals, Banjara Hills, Hyderabad

throws light on how keyhole ACL repair has transformed knee injury treatment and helped athletes return to sport with renewed confidence.

Understanding ACL Injuries and the Keyhole Approach

• The ACL is a key ligament that stabilizes the knee.
• When it tears, athletes experience instability, pain, and cannot continue playing.
• Keyhole ACL repair (arthroscopic ACL reconstruction) is a minimally invasive surgery that restores knee stability, reduces pain, and helps patients return to full activity.
• The procedure is usually done as a day-care surgery under spinal or general anesthesia and takes 1–3 hours.
• Surgeons make 2–3 tiny incisions instead of a large cut.
• An arthroscope, a thin tube with a camera and light, is inserted to show a clear view of the joint on a monitor.
• Special instruments inserted through other small openings are used to repair or reconstruct the ligament with high precision.
• Reconstruction involves replacing the torn ACL with a graft from the patient’s hamstring or patellar tendon, or sometimes a donor graft.
• In select cases where the ACL has torn cleanly from its attachment, the surgeon may perform a repair by stitching the ligament back and supporting it with an internal brace.
• Repair preserves natural tissue and may allow quicker healing, but is suitable only for specific injuries.
• Arthroscopy also allows treatment of associated problems like meniscus tears or cartilage damage during the same procedure.
• This makes keyhole ACL repair an efficient, comprehensive solution for athletes with multiple knee injuries.

Recovery, Rehabilitation, and Return to Sport

Healing after ACL surgery depends not only on the procedure but also on disciplined rehabilitation. In the first two weeks, the focus is on reducing swelling, controlling pain, and beginning gentle motion. As mobility improves, patients gradually stop using crutches and start walking more comfortably. By six weeks, many individuals can resume daily activities confidently, and low-impact exercises like cycling or swimming help rebuild strength.

Over the next several months, physiotherapy plays a central role in restoring muscle power, balance, and coordination. Running is usually introduced in a graded manner, and return to full-contact sports is typically advised between nine to twelve months, depending on progress. When performed by skilled arthroscopy specialists, keyhole ACL repair offers excellent stability and long-term outcomes, allowing many athletes to resume competitive sports successfully.

Sports Medicine & Arthroscopy Prowess

Sports medicine is not just about treating injuries; it involves understanding an athlete’s body, biomechanics, performance needs, and long-term joint health. Specialists like Dr. Ajay Singh Thakur use a holistic approach that combines accurate diagnosis, minimally invasive surgery, structured rehabilitation, and performance guidance. Arthroscopy adds precision and safety to this approach, allowing surgeons to visualize even the smallest injury inside the joint and treat it without damaging healthy tissues. High-definition imaging, advanced instruments, and refined techniques have made arthroscopy a powerful tool that protects an athlete’s future.

Conclusion

Keyhole ACL repair has changed the way knee injuries are treated, offering athletes a safer, faster, and more effective route back to sports. With minimally invasive technology, comprehensive rehabilitation, and specialist expertise, recovery today is smoother than ever. At STAR Hospitals, Hyderabad, experts like Dr. Ajay Singh Thakur ensure that athletes and active individuals receive world-class care rooted in sports medicine and arthroscopy excellence. If a knee injury is holding you back, early evaluation can make all the difference. Book your appointment with STAR Hospitals and take the first step toward getting back on the field with confidence.

FAV Disclaimer: Welthi.com does not guarantee any specific results as a result of the procedures mentioned here, and the results may vary from person to person.