ACL Reconstruction Surgery and Treatment Cost for Anterior Cruciate Ligament Tear in Singapore

Following your surgeon's instructions regarding weight-bearing restrictions and your rehabilitation period lifestyle is important. Otherwise, the following complications can arise:

•  Restrictions in activity levels

•  Occurrences of bleeding

•  Experiencing mild discomfort in the knee

•  Risk of infection

•  Development of knee stiffness or weakness

•  Reduced flexibility or range of motion in the knee

•  Intermittent soreness within the knee area

The R.I.C.E. method is often the first line of recommendation for managing a partially torn ACL. RICE encapsulates:

•  Rest: Allow the affected knee ample recovery time and avoid any activities that put weight on it or could strain it further.

•  Ice: The use of ice packs on the injured area to narrow blood vessels, which helps reduce blood flow and swelling.

•  Compression: Employing a bandage or similar compression tool to support the injured knee, aiding in swelling reduction.

•  Elevation: Keeping the injured knee raised above the level of the heart, aiding in decreasing swelling by promoting fluid flow away from the injury site.

The cost of ACL reconstruction surgery typically ranges from a few thousand dollars to over $21,000, depending on factors such as the surgical technique used and whether the procedure is performed in a hospital or outpatient facility. Additional expenses may include anaesthesia, imaging, physical therapy, and follow-up care, which can significantly impact the total ACL surgery cost. Consult with your provider to understand what is included and what your insurance may cover.

Yes, ACL reconstruction is considered a major surgery. The surgical procedure involves replacing the torn anterior cruciate ligament with a graft—commonly a patellar tendon autograft or hamstring tendon autograft—depending on the patient’s individual needs and anatomy. Because the ACL plays a critical role in knee stability, often in conjunction with structures like the medial collateral ligament (MCL), restoring proper function through surgery is essential, especially for active individuals.

The best type of ACL surgery depends on several factors, including age, activity level, and the presence of any additional knee injuries such as a torn medial collateral ligament. For younger, athletic patients, a patellar tendon graft (often referred to as a patellar tendon autograft) is frequently preferred due to its high stability and success rate. Alternatively, a hamstring tendon autograft may be chosen for those seeking a less invasive harvest site with potentially less anterior knee pain. Allografts—tissue from a donor—may be more suitable for older or less active individuals.

Not necessarily, although the choice to have ACL reconstructive surgery depends on individual circumstances, such as the severity of the tear, activity level, and overall knee stability. Partial ACL tears or cases with low physical demands might be managed non-surgically through physical therapy and lifestyle adjustments. However, for active individuals—especially athletes—ACL reconstruction surgery is typically recommended to restore full knee stability and prevent further knee joint damage.

Surgery is usually performed after initial swelling and knee pain have subsided—typically within 3 to 6 weeks. Delaying surgery allows for better preoperative knee function, which can improve post-surgical outcomes. However, if knee instability is severe or if other injuries (like meniscus tears) are present, early intervention may be advised.

An ACL repair involves suturing the existing ligament together—this is rare and only suitable in specific cases, such as when the ligament tears directly off the bone. In contrast, ACL reconstruction surgery is more common and involves replacing the torn ligament with a tendon graft (from the hamstring muscles, patellar tendon, or donor tissue).

The ideal graft depends on your activity level, anatomy, and surgeon recommendation. Common options include:

•  Hamstring Tendon Graft: Hamstring graft is considered less invasive and typically observes quicker recovery of knee extension.

•  Patellar Tendon Graft: Strong and preferred by many athletes but may cause anterior knee pain.

•  Quadriceps Tendon Graft: A good alternative, especially for revision surgeries.

•  Allograft (Donor Tissue): Avoids harvest site discomfort but may have slightly higher re-tear risk in younger, active individuals.

While ACL reconstruction surgery significantly restores knee stability, preventing future injuries also relies on proper rehabilitation. Strength training, neuromuscular control exercises, and using hinged knee braces (if advised) can greatly reduce re-injury risk.

Most patients wear a hinged knee brace for approximately 4 to 6 weeks following ACL reconstruction surgery, particularly during walking and physical therapy. The brace helps protect the healing knee ligament by limiting excessive movement and providing external support. Maintaining controlled motion during this period is crucial for restoring knee range and promoting normal knee kinematics, both of which are essential for a successful ACL surgery outcome.

Yes, in most cases you can begin walking with crutches and a knee brace on the same or next day after surgery. However, full weight-bearing is typically gradual and guided by your surgeon and physiotherapist to avoid straining the new graft.

An untreated torn ACL can lead to persistent knee instability, which increases the risk of additional complications such as a cartilage injury or meniscus tear. This instability can also result in abnormal movement patterns, potentially causing kneecap pain and further stress on the surrounding structures. 

Over time, untreated ACL tears may contribute to early-onset arthritis and chronic knee pain. For those with isolated ACL tears, non-surgical management may be considered, but for active individuals or athletes, early ACL reconstruction is often necessary to restore knee joint function and prevent long-term damage. Without intervention, the risk of severe cartilage injury increases, making it much harder to perform ACL reconstruction effectively later. In such cases, knee surgery becomes a critical step to not only repair the torn ligament but also to preserve the long-term health of the knee.

Read our article on Long-Term Effects of an ACL Injury Without ACL Tear Surgery or ACL Tear Treatment to learn more details.