Revision anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction
Revision ACL reconstruction
If your initial ACL reconstruction fails, your consultant may advise you to have revision surgery
About ACL revision surgery
- infection
- incorrect positioning or movement of the graft at the time of the first procedure
- injuring the graft through a further injury during or after recovery.
Need to know
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What happens during revision surgery? icon plus
Your consultant will first remove the previous tendon graft, prepare the joint and then implant a new graft. This is taken from the tissues around your knee, or donor tissue is used. The tendon graft is held in place to your thighbone (femur) and shinbone (tibia) by devices (e.g. screws) - these will be carefully inserted. Screws from the first graft may be replaced with new screws.
If the revision operation cannot be performed in one go, and your surgeon may have to clean, prepare and bone graft the bone sockets in the knee and return in approximately six months to perform the to implant the graft. The surgery takes around two hours.
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How to prepare for surgery icon plus
Your consultant will let you know how best to prepare for your procedure. -
After surgery icon plus
You will be sent to the recovery room after the surgery has been completed. On returning to your room a nurse will check your dressings, the small tubes in the back of your hand and catheter (if you have one). If you are experiencing pain around the incision area you will be given painkillers to immediately combat this.
Our physiotherapist will assess your mobility, and you will need to begin a programme of physiotherapy to aid your recovery.
Our knee consultants

Our locations
From complex orthopaedic surgery to diagnostic tests and procedures, we provide exceptional orthopaedic care across our network of hospitals, outpatient centres and specialist clinics.
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The Wellington Hospital Elstree Waterfront
The Waterfront Business Park
Beaufort House, Elstree Road, Elstree WD6 3BS
Request a knee appointment
We're happy to help you make an appointment with one of our experienced knee consultants. We can also make imaging and outpatient physiotherapy appointments for you.