ACL vs. TKR: Which Knee Surgery Is Right for You? | Gleneagles Hospital Kuala Lumpur

Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction (ACLR) and Total Knee Replacement (TKR) are distinct surgical procedures that serve different purposes based on the severity and nature of the knee problem.

Knee problems are common among adults, often due to general wear and tear, ageing or injury. ACLR and TKR are widely recommended surgical options that both aim to alleviate discomfort and restore knee function, yet they differ significantly in their indications, procedural approaches, and postoperative prognoses.

Understanding their differences is key to making an informed decision, guided by your doctor’s clinical assessment to determine the most appropriate surgical option for your condition.

Understanding the Conditions They Treat

ACLR is a surgical procedure designed to repair or rebuild a torn anterior cruciate ligament, a common injury among athletes and younger individuals. This injury is typically caused by sudden twisting or pivoting movements from sports injuries or trauma, such as landing improperly from a jump or a direct impact to the knee.

TKR is a surgical procedure used to alleviate pain and improve function, commonly in older individuals with degenerative conditions like osteoarthritis or severe knee damage that affects mobility and quality of life.

Differences in Surgical Techniques

ACLR involves using tissue grafts, either from the patient’s own body or the donor’s, to replace the damaged ligament. Precision is crucial for this minimally invasive procedure as the correct placement of the graft allows for the regeneration of a functional ligament over time to restore proper knee mechanics.

At Gleneagles Hospital Kuala Lumpur (GKL), advanced surgical techniques and state-of-the-art technology are applied to enhance its precision which ultimately contributes to a successful outcome.

TKR involves removing damaged cartilage and bone, and replacing them with an artificial implant that mimics the natural structure of the knee joint. This implant is designed to last up to 20 years, providing a durable, long-term solution for those with severe knee joint issues.

Since it is a more comprehensive procedure, GKL utilises advanced robotics and precision-guided tools to ensure optimal alignment and function of the new joint. To understand more about MAKO SmartRobotics™, visit: https://gleneagles.com.my/kuala-lumpur/facilities-services/mako-smartrobotics

The Recovery Process

Physiotherapy is first provided to prepare the knee for surgery and support a faster, smoother recovery afterward. Following ACLR or TKR, recovery will typically span 3 to 6 months depending on injury severity and goals for rehabilitation.

For ACLR, a more intensive physiotherapy programme focused on restoring knee stability and enabling high-impact activities will be prescribed. Athletes may require a longer rehabilitation period to regain full ligament strength and dynamic movement control before resuming full sports participation.

Meanwhile, the rehabilitation protocol for TKR is focused on managing pain, building strength, and improving mobility through physiotherapy. Patients can look forward to a significant improvement in their quality of life and perform everyday activities with greater ease.

Safety and Post-Surgery Success at GKL

GKL continuously strives for a level of care and safety that goes beyond the established standards. This is reflected by our 100% success rate across safety standards for ACLR*:

Prophylactic Antibiotics were administered to all patients within 1 hour prior to surgical incision toprevent risk of infections at the surgical site.

No blood transfusion was given during intraoperative or postoperative ACLR procedure, indicating asuccessful procedure without significant blood loss or complications

No complications while the ACLR was performed.

No readmission for complications within 40 days post-ACLR procedure.

*Based on a 2023 research conducted on selected Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction (ACLR) cases at Gleneagles Hospital Kuala Lumpur.

The same commitment is also underscored by our 100% success rate in meeting patient recovery benchmarks for TKR at 3- and 6-months post-surgery*:

Pre-operative and during admission, physiotherapy was providedtoset a strong foundation for recovery.

3 months post-surgery

Patients showed improved mobility, reduced pain, and better daily function.

Ongoing rehabilitation

Patients received 3 more months of physiotherapy to build strength and confidence.

6-month milestone

Patients achieved significant gains in mobility and quality of life, meeting all recovery benchmarks.

*Based on a 2023 research conducted on selected Total Knee Replacement (TKR) cases, evaluated at 3-month and 6-month intervals, at Gleneagles Hospital Kuala Lumpur

Both treat different knee conditions, but one thing is definite: ACLR and TKR are life-changing procedures for patients living with severe knee pain, enabling them to return to doing what they love faster and take on life with confidence.