Orthopaedic Innovation

ACL surgery

Regain knee stability and get back to the activities you love

Innovative orthopaedic interventions from world-leading surgeons.

19 Harley Street, Cromwell Hospital, London Independent Hospital

A torn ACL can stop you in your tracks, making sports, exercise, and even everyday movements feel unstable and painful

Whether your injury happened during a sudden twist, a fall, or an awkward landing, ACL surgery can help restore strength, stability, and confidence in your knee.

20% of patients can cope without their ACL 80% of patients cannot then go on to have further instability which means they can’t enjoy the activities that they enjoy and also any further instability leads to further potential secondary damage to the joint surface or meniscal cartilage

Our ACL repair and reconstruction procedures, performed by world-renowned experts, are designed to optimise recovery and protect your knee from further damage

If you are suitable for a repair (repositioning your existing ACL) or need to undergo a reconstruction (using a graft to create a new ACL), our personalised approach ensures the best outcome for your knee.

ACL repair and reconstruction surgery London

Is ACL surgery right for you?

If you’ve suffered an ACL tear, you may be experiencing:

Knee instability – Feeling like your knee might "give way" during movement.
Swelling and pain – Especially after twisting or pivoting.
Limited range of motion – Difficulty fully straightening or bending your knee.
Weakness & reduced strength – A lack of power when walking or exercising.
Inability to return to sport – Struggling with running, jumping, or quick changes in direction.

If this sounds familiar, ACL surgery could be the key to restoring full movement and knee function.

A personalised approach for the best results

During your ACL surgery, we perform a thorough assessment of your knee joint—including the cartilage, meniscus, and surrounding ligaments—to determine the best surgical approach for you.

ACL repair – If your ACL tear is suitable, we reposition and secure your own ligament to allow it to heal naturally.

ACL reconstruction – If repair isn’t an option, we create a new ACL using a graft (usually from the hamstring or quadriceps tendon).

"I am so mobile. This is great!"
Laura

Being a patient of Professor Wilson was a great experience and gave excellent results. I ruptured my ACL in March and had a consultation early April, opted for a reconstruction with repair using Professor Wilson’s unique method. The operation took place at the end of April, 2.5 months later I was dancing at a summer festival, by July – August I completely forgot anything even happened to my knee, it feels fully functional. Would not hesitate to recommend him for top quality orthopedic advice and medical care, I can’t imagine a better outcome.

Kamila Solarska

I first saw Professor Wilson in October ’23 after rupturing my ACL and I am very grateful to have found him. Compared to other surgeons, he was able to carry out a pioneering technique to repair my fully ruptured ACL instead of the standard operation taking up to a year for full recovery. This resulted in a vastly shortened recovery timescale such that now, at only 3 months post operation, my knee is beginning to feel like a normal knee which is astounding. I found Professor Wilson to be both professional and compassionate and I am so pleased to have gone through my injury in his care. I cannot recommend him enough!

Katherine Wilberforce

I couldn’t recommend Prof. Wilson and his team enough.  My 16 year old daughter suffered a serious knee injury including an ACL rupture and MCL damage after a skiing accident. Prof. Wilson was able to see us 24 hours after she returned to the UK and six weeks later performed an ACL repair and lateral tenodesis.  My daughter was devastated by her injury as she was unable to attend her U19 England hockey trial.  She has made an amazing recovery, is playing hockey again and is about to start university.  The care we received from beginning to end was outstanding

Joanna Morton

World-leading experts in ACL repair

Our surgical team are pioneers in the field of ACL repair, combining decades of experience with cutting-edge innovation to improve patient outcomes.

Patented surgical techniques

The team at Orthopaedic Innovation helped pioneer an advanced ACL repair technique that’s now considered the global leading standard of care and Adrian Wilson was the first to carry this out in children. Wherever possible we repair the ACL because it’s less invasive and allows a much quicker rehabilitation

Leaders in research & education

Our team publishes research in leading medical journals and trains surgeons worldwide in the latest surgical techniques.

Advancing knee replacement technology

We’re at the forefront of developing new implants and surgical approaches to deliver faster recovery, reduced pain, and better long-term function.
By choosing our expert team, you’re receiving world-class care from leading innovators in knee surgery.

What to expect from the procedure

Safe & effective surgery – Most operations take approximately 30 minutes, performed under either general anaesthetic or spinal anaesthesia.

Minimally invasive techniques – A precise surgical approach ensures optimal joint stability and natural movement.

Personalised recovery plan – A physiotherapy-led rehabilitation programme gets you moving quickly and safely.

Short hospital stay – Most patients stay less than 24 hours before returning home.

Fast-healing approach – Wound healing typically takes 12-14 days, with ongoing support from our team.

Your recovery: What happens after surgery?

Immediate post-op care – Ice and compression are used to reduce swelling and manage pain.

Guided physiotherapy – Our expert team will help you take your first steps safely after surgery. 

Personalised home recovery plan – We’ll guide you on managing stairs, movement, and exercises for a smooth, steady recovery.

Most patients experience significant pain relief and improved mobility within weeks, with full recovery in a few months.

Take the first step towards knee stability

Book a consultation with Professor Adrian Wilson.
Receive your personalised treatment plan based on your medical situation.
If you go ahead with the plan, we’ll see you here in London for your treatment.
Enjoy life pain-free, doing the things you love without limitations.

Frequently asked questions about ACL surgery

We accept many insurance companies, please contact us to discuss your specific case.

Yes, you can. We can book virtual consultations or you can come to our clinic in Harley Street, London.

Our surgeons operate at both the Cromwell Hospital, 164-178 Cromwell Rd, London SW5 0TU and the The London Independent Hospital, 1 Beaumont Square, London E1 4NL.

Most of our patients go home the same day, while some choose to stay overnight.

This depends whether it is a repair or a reconstruction. Typically recovery time is between 3-12 months.

ACL reconstruction means that tissue from somewhere else in the body (hamstring, patella tendon, quads etc) is taken and used to replace the ACL in the knee joint. In ACL repair surgery, the patients own ACL is positioned back from where it has torn and no other tissue is used to stabilise the knee. ACL repair surgery is only indicated in specific ACL tear types. This type of surgery has been designed and developed by Prof. Wilson who has been at the forefront of ACL repair surgery globally. The main advantages being a quicker return to sport and reduced mobility in avoiding use of tissue from another part of the knee.

Not all patients who rupture their ACL need surgery. Some patients may be able to use surrounding supporting muscles to help stabilise the knee and reduce the chances of it giving way. The main concern with repeated knee injuries is that a secondary injury, such as a meniscal tear may occur. There is some evidence to suggest that by stabilising the knee, the risk of arthritis developing in the future may also be reduced.

By resting, icing and compressing the knee, the pain is usually well managed. A brace will also help to support the knee and reduce the pain. Try simple pain relief, such as paracetamol. If there is no contra-indication (anaphylaxis, allergy, intolerance, asthma renal problems etc) then an anti-inflammatory may be taken. Always consult a doctor if you are unsure.

Whether sport is done recreationally or more seriously, return to sport following ACL surgery is typically between 10-12 months. This is because it takes this long for the knee to be strong enough to withstand significant amounts of stress through it without re-tearing the ACL. In ACL repair surgery, the return to sport is closer to 6 months.

To discuss the pricing of surgery for your specific case, please get in touch with our dedicated admin team.
Locations

The Harley Street Hospital,
19 Harley Street,
London, W1G 9QJ
The Cromwell Hospital,
164-178 Cromwell Road,
London SW5 0TU
The London Independent Hospital,
1 Beaumont Square,
London E1 4NL
Medical disclaimer
The information provided on this website is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. It is not intended to replace consultation with a qualified healthcare professional. While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, medical knowledge is constantly evolving, and individual cases may vary. Any surgical or non-surgical treatments discussed on this website should be considered in consultation with a medical professional who can assess your individual needs and medical history.
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