Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine
ACL Reconstruction in Nigeria
A torn anterior cruciate ligament is rebuilt using a graft, usually through keyhole surgery. It is done for knees that give way, most often after a football or road traffic injury.
Also called: Cruciate ligament repair, ACL surgery, Knee ligament reconstruction
Medically reviewed by Dr Debo Odulana, Founder and Chief Executive, Mezo. Last reviewed 17 September 2026. This page is general information, not a diagnosis. Care is decided with you after an examination.
Published price
₦1,750,000
Arthroscopic reconstruction, one knee, all-in
What the price covers
- Surgeon and anaesthetist fees
- Theatre time
- Graft harvest and fixation
- First post-operative review
What it does not cover
- Consultation and MRI
- The full rehabilitation programme, which runs for months and is the main determinant of the result
- A brace if one is prescribed
What would change this price
- Repairing a meniscal tear at the same time, which is common
- Using a synthetic or donor graft rather than your own tissue
- Revision surgery after a previous failed reconstruction
HMO plans require prior authorisation, and some treat sports injury differently. Check before booking.
Who this is for
- A knee that gives way on turning or landing after an injury
- A confirmed ACL tear on examination and MRI
- A wish to return to sport that involves pivoting, such as football or basketball
- Repeated episodes of instability that are damaging the meniscus and cartilage
When it is not the right answer
- People with low physical demands whose knee is stable in daily life, where rehabilitation alone can be enough
- A knee that is still swollen and stiff after the injury, which is rehabilitated first to avoid stiffness after surgery
The pathway, step by step
- 1
Consultation₦35,000
Examination for instability and assessment of your sport and goals.
- 2
MRI₦95,000
Confirms the ACL tear and checks the meniscus and cartilage.
- 3
Pre-operative rehabilitation₦15,000
Two to six weeks of physiotherapy to settle swelling and restore full straightening before surgery. Skipping this is the most common cause of a stiff knee afterwards.
- 4
Surgery
Sixty to ninety minutes, usually a day case or one night.
- 5
Rehabilitation₦15,000
Nine months of structured, staged physiotherapy. This is the operation's other half.
Recovery, realistically
Weeks 1 to 2
Crutches, swelling control, full straightening restored.
Weeks 2 to 6
Walking normally, quadriceps strength work begins.
Months 3 to 6
Running in a straight line, then gradual change of direction.
Months 9 to 12
Return to competitive pivoting sport, only after strength testing.
Risks you should be told about
- Re-tearing the graft, particularly on early return to sport
- Stiffness or loss of full straightening
- Pain at the site where the graft was taken
- Infection or blood clots, both uncommon
Every operation carries risk. A surgeon who lists none is not being straight with you. Yours will go through these with you before you consent.
Questions people ask
How much does ACL surgery cost in Nigeria?
N1,750,000 for arthroscopic reconstruction of one knee at Mezo, all-in: surgeon, anaesthetist, theatre and graft fixation. Consultation, MRI and the rehabilitation programme are separate and are listed here.
When can I play football again?
Nine to twelve months, and only after you pass strength and hop testing. Going back at six months is the single most common reason grafts tear again.
Can I leave it alone?
Some people with low-demand lifestyles manage well with rehabilitation alone. If your knee keeps giving way, each episode risks further damage to the meniscus and cartilage, which is the argument for surgery.
Prices shown are Mezo cash prices in naira and were last checked on 17 September 2026. They are what you would be quoted for the standard case described here. Your final quote follows an examination, because the right operation for you may not be this one.