ACL Reconstruction with Meniscus Repair for a Complete ACL Tear
Ajinkya Shinde, 28, was treated for a complete anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear at Dr. Dave’s Clinic, Dahisar East, Mumbai. Dr. Arpit C Dave performed ACL reconstruction with meniscus repair following a detailed review of the patient’s prior MRI and clinical consultation. The outcome was excellent with no complications.
Patient Profile
| Age | 28 years |
| Gender | Male |
| Patient Name | Ajinkya Shinde |
| City | Mumbai, India |
| Presenting Complaint | Left knee instability following a sports injury |
| Diagnosis | Complete ACL tear with associated meniscus involvement |
| Previous Treatments | None (surgery deferred due to studies abroad) |
| Diagnostic Method | Clinical consultation and MRI review |
| Date of Procedure | 12 June 2026 |
| Outcome | Excellent |
The Condition
Ajinkya Shinde injured his left knee playing football roughly two years before presenting to Dr. Dave’s Clinic. Shortly afterward, he relocated to Germany for his master’s studies. An orthopedic consultation and MRI there confirmed a complete ACL tear, and surgery was advised. Because of his academic commitments, he was unable to proceed with treatment at the time and continued to manage the knee conservatively while abroad.
On returning to India in May 2026, he sought a specialist opinion to finally address the injury. The delay meant the knee had been functioning without a stable ligament for an extended period, making a thorough reassessment of the joint, including the meniscus, an essential part of planning treatment.
Consultation and Treatment Plan
What Was Assessed During the Consultation
- Review of prior MRI findings and correlation with current symptoms and knee stability
- Clinical examination for anterior instability, range of motion, and associated ligament or meniscal signs
- Assessment of meniscus integrity, given the extended interval since the original injury
- Patient’s activity level, lifestyle demands, and recovery goals
- Medical fitness: health history reviewed; no contraindications identified
“When an ACL tear has gone untreated for an extended period, the ligament isn’t the only structure that needs attention. The meniscus often takes on extra strain in the interim, so a careful reassessment before surgery including a closer look through our meniscus tear treatment approach is what shapes a plan that holds up long term.”
— Dr. Arpit C Dave, Dr. Dave’s Clinic, Dahisar, Mumbai
Why ACL Reconstruction with Meniscus Repair Was Chosen
- Graft-based reconstruction: The torn ACL was reconstructed using arthroscopic, minimally invasive technique to restore knee stability
- Meniscus repair alongside reconstruction: The meniscus was addressed in the same sitting rather than left untreated, to protect the joint long term
- Individualised planning: The approach was tailored to the patient’s age, activity level, and goal of returning to sport
- Structured rehabilitation: A phased rehab protocol was set from day one to guide recovery and follow-up
Before and After
Pre-operative and post-operative clinical documentation covering the condition at presentation and the result following ACL reconstruction with meniscus repair at Dr. Dave’s Clinic, Dahisar, Mumbai.
| BEFORE | AFTER |
|---|---|
| Pre-operative:Complete ACL tear, knee instability, meniscus involvement | Post-operative:Stable knee joint, normal gait restored |
Procedure Details
Step-by-Step Overview
- Clinical examination and MRI review completed; treatment plan confirmed and explained to patient
- Arthroscopic ACL reconstruction performed using graft technique
- Meniscus assessed arthroscopically and repaired in the same sitting
- Joint stability confirmed intra-operatively before closure
- Early rehabilitation protocol initiated from the next day
- Regular follow-up visits scheduled to track healing and progress
- Guided physiotherapy introduced in a phased manner over six weeks
Procedure Facts
| Procedure | ACL Reconstruction with Meniscus Repair |
| Diagnostic Tools | Clinical consultation and MRI review |
| Treatments Involved | Arthroscopic ACL reconstruction, meniscus repair, structured rehabilitation |
| Anesthesia | Regional anesthesia |
| Intraoperative Complications | None |
| Hospital Stay | Short inpatient stay, arthroscopic (day-care to short admission) |
Post-Operative Results
The ACL reconstruction with meniscus repair was completed with no complications. Rehabilitation began the day after surgery, and over six weeks of regular follow-up visits closely following the phased approach outlined in our ACL Surgery Recovery: Week-by-Week Timeline blog the patient progressed steadily through the early rehabilitation protocol. The outcome was assessed as excellent.
Outcomes at a Glance
| Outcome Metric | Result |
|---|---|
| Knee Stability | Restored following ACL reconstruction |
| Meniscus Function | Preserved through same-sitting repair |
| Rehabilitation Progress | On track through structured six-week follow-up |
| Walking and Function | Normal walking regained |
| Patient Satisfaction | Excellent |
| Complications | None |
Patient Feedback
Recorded during clinical follow-up at Dr. Dave’s Clinic, Dahisar, Mumbai.
“After the injury I had to move to Germany for my studies and couldn’t get the surgery done there. Once I was back in India, Dr. Dave explained the injury, the procedure, and the rehabilitation process clearly and answered all my questions, which made me confident about going ahead. The surgery went smoothly, and after six weeks of following my rehabilitation protocol, I’m able to walk properly again and I’m getting back to my normal routine. I’d like to thank Dr. Dave and his team for their guidance and care throughout.”
Post-Procedure Care and Recovery
Instructions Given to Patient
- Follow the prescribed early rehabilitation and physiotherapy protocol closely
- Use knee brace/support as advised during the initial recovery phase
- Gradual, guided progression of weight-bearing as directed by the physiotherapist
- Avoid high-impact activity or sport until cleared by the surgeon
- Complete any prescribed medication in full
- Attend scheduled follow-up visits to track healing
- Report any unusual swelling, pain, or instability between appointments
Recovery Timeline
| Timeframe | What to Expect |
| Days 1-3 | Rehabilitation begins the day after surgery. Pain and swelling managed with medication and ice. Assisted mobility with brace/crutches as advised. |
| Week 1-2 | Gradual increase in range-of-motion exercises. Follow-up visit to check the surgical site and healing. |
| Week 3-4 | Progressive weight-bearing and strengthening exercises under physiotherapy guidance. |
| Week 5-6 | Continued structured rehabilitation; patient regains normal walking pattern. Regular follow-up visits continue. |
| Month 2 onwards | Advanced strengthening and balance training; gradual return toward sport-specific activity as cleared by the surgeon. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. What is ACL reconstruction with meniscus repair?
It is a combined arthroscopic procedure that reconstructs a torn anterior cruciate ligament using a graft while also repairing any associated meniscus damage in the same sitting, addressing both sources of knee instability together.
Q2. How long does recovery take after ACL reconstruction at Dr. Dave's Clinic in Dahisar, Mumbai?
Most patients begin rehabilitation the day after surgery and can resume daily activities within a few weeks. Full recovery, including return to sport, typically takes several months and depends on how consistently the rehabilitation protocol is followed.
Q3. Is the surgery painful?
The procedure is performed under regional anesthesia. Post-operative discomfort is managed with medication and physiotherapy, and is generally well controlled through the early rehabilitation phase.
Q4. Why repair the meniscus at the same time as ACL reconstruction?
When an ACL tear goes untreated for a period of time, the meniscus can take on additional stress and become damaged. Addressing both in the same procedure helps protect the joint and supports a more stable long-term outcome.
Q5. Why choose Dr. Dave's Clinic for ACL reconstruction in Dahisar, Mumbai?
Dr. Dave’s Clinic is led by Dr. Arpit C Dave, an orthopaedic and arthroscopic surgeon with over a decade of experience in knee and shoulder arthroscopy, including fellowship training in Italy, Spain, and France, with a focus on minimally invasive, evidence-based ACL and sports injury care.
Struggling with knee instability after an old injury? Dr. Dave’s Clinic evaluates ACL and meniscus damage with detailed clinical assessment and builds a structured plan to restore stability.