Speciality: Knee

Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) Reconstruction

The Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital is a leader in diagnosing and treating knee problems.

With RNOH Private Care, you can access top specialists who treat knee issues, including sports injuries, accidents, and arthritis.

The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) plays a key role in knee stability, especially during movements like twisting, turning, or side-stepping. It also sends signals to the muscles around the knee to help protect it during activity.

ACL injuries usually happen during a sudden twisting movement or contact activity. Many people feel or hear a pop at the time of injury, followed by pain and swelling within hours. Cartilage tears or joint surface damage may also occur with an ACL tear.

If the ACL is ruptured, the knee may feel unstable or “give way.” Physical therapy can help manage this, but if instability continues and affects daily function, surgery might be recommended.

In ACL reconstruction, the damaged ACL is removed and replaced with a graft—usually tissue from the hamstring or patella tendon—to restore knee stability. The surgeon will discuss the best graft option for you.

After ACL reconstruction, most patients can expect:

  • Improved knee stability
  • Better mobility and function
  • Reduced pain

Full recovery and return to sports may take up to 12 months.

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Our Consultants

Pioneering surgery. Leading consultants.

Discover our consultant team at the Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital: leaders in their field and supported by specialist clinical teams.

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How can I pay for treatment?

01Insured patients

We have contracts with the majority of insurers to cover the costs of your treatment. Before you attend either an outpatient appointment or being admitted to RNOH Private Care you must get authorisation from your insurer.

You will need to check with them your policy limits or restrictions and whether RNOH Private Care is in their chosen network of hospitals. Please ensure you have all the relevant details regarding your insurance, including your membership or policy number, when having any contact with our team.

Please be aware that you will be responsible for costs not covered by your insurance policy, such as any medication or equipment you are given to go home with. Our team will discuss these with you.

02Self Pay patients

More information for Self Pay patients is available here

03Third Party Sponsorship

Patients must provide an original signed letter from their sponsor which clearly outlines their acceptance of responsibility for payment of the patient’s account.  This must be received and agreed by RNOH Private Care prior to the appointment or admission date.

04Embassy Sponsorship

RNOH Private Care has excellent relationships with embassies. If you are a government sponsored patient your embassy will need to issue a letter of guarantee to cover the cost of your treatment. We must receive this letter before your appointment date to enable treatment to go ahead.

05Cheques and Credit/Debit Card

All payments must be made in pounds sterling (£).

  • Personal Cheques and Bankers Drafts should be made payable to ‘Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital NHS Trust’. Personal cheques can only be accepted if received in advance in order for the funds to be cleared.
  • We accept all major credit cards, however, we are unable to accept Diners or Amex.
  • Outstanding accounts are monitored and reviewed regularly.

06What are your terms & conditions?

Information about our Terms and Conditions is available here.

Your path to accessing our services starts with a simple step – contacting us.

Contact us

New patient & referrals
+44 (0)20 8909 5114

Email
rnoh.pcenquiries@nhs.net

All other enquiries
+44 (0)20 3947 0049