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Torn ACL? Keyhole reconstruction in Lahore
Knee feels wobbly, swells or gives way after a twist or fall? You may have torn your ACL. Dr Imran Salim Malik does keyhole ACL reconstruction.
No MRI yet? Book a check-up anyway. Dr Malik will tell you if you need one.
Does every ACL tear need surgery?
No. Dr Malik examines your knee and checks your MRI, then advises the right step for you.
What Dr Malik may advise instead
- Physiotherapy to strengthen the knee
- Sometimes a knee brace
- This can be enough if you do not play turning sports and the knee does not give way
When he may advise reconstruction
- The knee stays unstable
- You want to play sports with turning and twisting, like cricket and football
Not sure if you need surgery? WhatsApp your MRI report or a line about your injury if you have no MRI yet.
From check-up to playing again
Dr Malik sees you at every follow-up and explains each step in Urdu or English.
- First weeks: crutches, getting the knee fully straight
- Next weeks: walking without crutches, thigh strength and balance
- Middle months: gentle jogging and harder strength work
- Later months: training for your sport
- 6 to 12 months: back to contact sports, after a strict physiotherapy programme
Your physiotherapist moves you on when you are ready.
Check-up and MRI
Dr Malik examines your knee and checks your scans. The MRI confirms the tear and shows if the cushion cartilage (meniscus) or other ligaments are hurt.
Getting ready
A medical check-up and a physiotherapy assessment before surgery.
Anaesthesia
You are numbed from the waist down (spinal) or fully asleep (general). Either way, you stay comfortable.
Keyhole surgery
A few small cuts around the knee and a thin camera to see inside.
The new ligament
Usually made from a tendon at the back of your thigh or below your kneecap, fixed firmly inside the knee.
Physiotherapy
A step-by-step programme guides your return to activity, including kneeling for prayer where the knee allows.
Questions players and parents ask
Can I play cricket again?
Most people get a stable knee back and return to their normal life. With a strict physiotherapy programme after surgery, people can return to contact sports such as cricket and football after 6 to 12 months.
Your physiotherapist and Dr Malik tell you when your knee is ready.
How long does recovery take?
Recovery goes step by step. You can usually go back to desk work or classes within the first few weeks, and to contact sports after 6 to 12 months of strict physiotherapy. Dr Malik will tell you when.
Which graft will be used?
From the back of the thigh, below the kneecap or above it. Dr Malik chooses based on your age, your sport and any past surgery, and discusses it with you first.
What are the risks?
The new ligament can tear again, which is more likely if you go back to matches too early. Other risks are knee stiffness, infection, numbness near the cut and blood clots.
How much does it cost?
We tell you the consultation fee on WhatsApp before you book, so there are no surprises. A follow-up visit within 5 days of your first consultation is free to go through your reports and scans.
The cost of surgery depends on the operation, the graft and fixings used, the room and the nights in hospital. It is explained before you decide.
Not sure if you need surgery? Ask us on WhatsApp.
Book a consultation
WhatsApp or call +92 300 4890692. Urdu or English, whichever you prefer.
What to send us
- The patient’s name and age
- The problem, in a line or two
- A photo of any X-ray or MRI