The short answer
A torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) does not usually heal back together, but not everyone needs it reconstructed. People who do not play pivoting sports and whose knee does not keep giving way often do well with a structured physiotherapy programme; people who want to return to football, basketball or similar sports, or whose knee keeps buckling, are usually advised to have ACL reconstruction. Either way, physiotherapy is the backbone of recovery.
Book an ACL assessment, from ₦1,750,000Medically reviewed by Dr Debo Odulana, Founder and Chief Executive, Mezo. Last reviewed . This page is general information, not a diagnosis. Care is decided with you after an examination.
What the ACL does and how it tears
The ACL is a strong band in the middle of the knee that stops the shin bone sliding forward and twisting under the thigh bone. It usually tears in a non-contact moment: planting the foot and turning, landing from a jump, or stopping suddenly. Many people hear or feel a pop, cannot carry on playing, and the knee swells within hours. Football is the commonest cause among young Nigerians.
What to do in the first days
Rest, ice wrapped in a cloth, a compression bandage and keeping the leg raised help the swelling. Use crutches if you cannot walk comfortably. Do not let anyone pull, twist or massage the knee "back into place": the ligament is torn, not displaced, and forceful handling can damage the cartilage. See a doctor for an examination. An MRI is often used to confirm the tear and check the meniscus and cartilage.
Who may do well without surgery
- People who do not play sports that involve cutting, twisting or jumping
- People whose knee feels stable in daily life after the swelling settles and rehabilitation is done
- Some older or less active adults
- Anyone willing to change sport to straight-line activities such as cycling, swimming or jogging
Who is usually advised to have surgery
- Young, active people who want to return to football, basketball, handball or martial arts
- Anyone whose knee keeps giving way despite good physiotherapy
- People with a repairable meniscus tear alongside the ACL tear
- Jobs that need a reliably stable knee, such as some uniformed or manual work
Why repeated giving way matters
Each time an unstable knee buckles, the meniscus and joint cartilage can be damaged. Over years that can lead to early arthritis. That is why surgeons take recurrent giving way seriously, even in someone who is not a sports player.
What ACL reconstruction and recovery involve
The surgeon replaces the torn ligament with a graft, usually a tendon taken from your own leg, using keyhole surgery. Physiotherapy before surgery to get the swelling down and the knee fully straight usually gives a better result. Recovery is long: walking returns within weeks, but surgeons usually advise not returning to football or other pivoting sports for many months, often around nine months or more, and only after strength and hop tests are passed. Your surgeon and physiotherapist will set your timeline.
What it costs on Mezo
One fixed price, paid online.
Common questions
Can a torn ACL heal on its own?
A complete tear does not usually heal back together. Many people still get a stable, useful knee with physiotherapy, but those returning to twisting sports usually need reconstruction.
Can I play football again after an ACL tear?
Many people do, usually after reconstruction and a long rehabilitation programme. Returning too early raises the risk of tearing it again.
How much is ACL reconstruction on Mezo?
ACL reconstruction is from ₦1,750,000. A written all-in quote follows the assessment, and you pay online.
Should I see a bone setter or masseur for my knee injury?
No. A torn ligament cannot be massaged back, and forceful handling can damage the cartilage. Get it examined by a doctor first.
When is a knee injury urgent?
Go the same day if the knee is locked and will not straighten, if you cannot put any weight on the leg, if it looks deformed, or if the foot is numb or cold.
The procedures
Related health guides
More patient guides
Sources and further reading
The guidelines and patient information this page is checked against. Care in Nigeria follows the same evidence; what differs is the price and where it is done.
- What is ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) surgery?. NHS. Patient information.
Links last checked 22 October 2026.
Medical disclaimer: This guide is general information and does not replace advice from your own doctor. Where your centre's instructions differ from this guide, follow theirs.