For anyone who plays football, rugby, skiing or other pivoting sports, a torn ACL usually means reconstruction. The operation takes an hour or two; the rehabilitation that decides the result takes months. This New City Clinic guide explains both.
The surgeon and the graft
ACL reconstruction is planned by orthopaedic surgeon Op. Dr. Gökhan Tolga Akbulut, specialist in orthopaedics and traumatology. The new ligament is usually made from your own hamstring, patellar or quadriceps tendon; a meniscus tear found at the same time is treated in the same session.
Return to sport
Running usually starts after a few months and pivoting sport from about nine months, only after strength, hop and stability tests. You leave Istanbul with a written rehabilitation programme for your physiotherapist in the UK.
What to check before booking
Ask for the name of the hospital and check that it is licensed by the Turkish Ministry of Health, the full name and specialty of the doctor, and a written quote that lists hospital, doctor, tests, nights in hospital and hotel, transfers and interpreter. Be cautious with offers that cannot name the hospital, promise guaranteed results or ask for a deposit before a physician has seen your case.
Travelling from the UK
Direct flights from London, Manchester, Birmingham, Edinburgh and other UK airports take around four hours. Plan about 7–10 days in Istanbul so that your doctor can check you before the flight. You receive your reports in English for your GP, and a New City Clinic coordinator follows your recovery remotely once you are home.
ACL reconstruction in Turkey with New City Clinic
New City Clinic is an authorised health tourism intermediary registered with the Turkish Ministry of Health and HealthTürkiye. When you contact New City Clinic about ACL reconstruction in Turkey, a physician first reviews your photos and medical information, and you then receive a written treatment plan with an itemised quote. Once you arrive in Istanbul, the New City Clinic team organises your airport welcome, accommodation, hospital appointments and interpreting. Your procedure is performed by a specialist physician at a Ministry of Health approved partner hospital, and follow-up continues after you return home.
Recovery timeline
Weeks 0–2
Crutches, swelling control, full straightening.
Months 3–6
Running and agility drills.
Months 6–9+
Sport-specific training and return-to-sport tests.
Accommodation and transfers
On request, New City Clinic organises your airport–hotel–hospital transfers and your stay at partner hotels close to the hospital. The same can be arranged for a companion; details are set out in writing in your quote.
Aftercare
Medication and check-ups
Take the medication your physician prescribes as directed and attend your planned check-ups.
Smoking and alcohol
Both slow healing; avoid them before and after the procedure for the period your physician advises.
Movement and rest
Short walks support circulation; wait for your physician’s approval before strenuous exercise or heavy lifting.
When to get in touch
Contact your New City Clinic coordinator straight away in case of high fever, increasing pain, redness or anything unexpected.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a fixed price?
Prices are not published for this treatment; a written, itemised quote follows a free assessment of your case.
What should I send?
Your knee MRI images and report and a description of how the injury happened.
Deciding on ACL reconstruction in Turkey is a confident step when it is taken with the right information and the right team. You can book a free consultation with the New City Clinic team for your questions.
This article is for general information; consult your physician for diagnosis and treatment.
