ACL Reconstruction Surgery in Doha

Who ACL reconstruction is for

ACL reconstruction is usually recommended for people whose knee keeps giving way after an ACL tear, and for those who want to return to football, padel, basketball or other sports that involve cutting and pivoting. It is also considered when the ACL tear comes with a repairable meniscus tear.

Not every ACL tear needs surgery. Some less active people, or those happy to avoid pivoting sports, do well with a structured physiotherapy programme. Dr. Gelber discusses your activity level, goals and examination findings before recommending either path.

How the operation is done

The operation is performed under general or spinal anaesthesia, usually combined with a nerve block for pain relief. Through a few small incisions, a camera is used to inspect the whole knee and treat any meniscus or cartilage problems at the same time.

The torn ligament remnant is cleared, small tunnels are drilled in the thigh bone (femur) and shin bone (tibia) where the original ligament attached, and the graft is passed through them and fixed in place. Over the following months the body gradually incorporates the graft, which then works as a new ligament.

Graft options

• Hamstring tendons
• Patellar tendon (bone-tendon-bone)
• Quadriceps tendon

The right graft depends on your sport, age, anatomy and any previous surgery. Dr. Gelber explains the trade-offs before you decide.

Protecting the knee for the long term

Meniscus tears found during ACL surgery are repaired whenever possible. In high-risk patients, an additional lateral extra-articular procedure can be added to reduce the risk of re-rupture.

The day of surgery at Aman Hospital

You will be asked to fast for several hours before the operation; the hospital team confirms the exact timing. On admission you meet the anaesthetist and the surgical team, and the knee to be operated on is marked.

Many patients go home the same day or after one night in hospital, depending on pain control, how confidently they walk with crutches and whether other procedures were needed. Before you leave, a physiotherapist shows you how to use crutches and which exercises to start at home.

Recovery timeline

• Day 1: walking with crutches, starting physiotherapy
• Weeks 2–6: regaining full extension, walking normally
• Months 3–6: running and strength work
• Months 9–12: return to pivoting sports after passing tests

Risks

ACL reconstruction is a common, well-established operation and most patients recover without major problems. As with any surgery there are risks, which Dr. Gelber explains before you consent:

• Knee stiffness or difficulty regaining full straightening, usually helped by early physiotherapy
• Infection, which is uncommon
• Blood clots in the leg
• Numbness of the skin near the incisions
• Graft re-tear or persisting looseness, more likely with an early return to sport

Following the rehabilitation plan and returning to sport only after passing strength and movement tests are among the most useful ways to lower these risks.

Preparing for surgery in Doha

• Bring your MRI images and report, and any previous operation notes
• Start the exercises your physiotherapist recommends: a knee that moves well with little swelling usually recovers more smoothly
• Insurance pre-approval may be needed, so check with your insurer before booking a date
• Tell the team about all your medicines, especially blood thinners
• Arrange for someone to take you home and help for the first few days

If surgery would fall during Ramadan, summer travel or an important sports season, discuss the timing with Dr. Gelber.