✅ Arthroscopic Specialist  ·  10,000+ Surgeries  ·  Same-Day Diagnosis  ·  NABH Accredited

Knee Sports Injury Treatment in Mohali

ACL Tears  ·  Meniscus Injuries  ·  Cartilage Damage  ·  Ligament Reconstruction

Led by Dr. Harjoban Singh — arthroscopic surgery specialist. From diagnosis to return-to-sport, we plan your full recovery from Day 1.

📍 Mohali (SAS Nagar), Punjab · Serving Chandigarh Tri-City

🚨 Severe injury? Call immediately: +91 82888 43800
💬 WhatsApp Your MRI / X-Ray
10,000+
Surgeries
Same-Day
MRI Diagnosis Available
9–12 Mo
ACL Return to Sport
6–8 Wks
Meniscectomy Recovery
Keyhole
Arthroscopic Surgery
NABH
Accredited Hospital
🩺 Injured your knee? First step:
  1. 1 Stop activity — do not push through pain or instability. Further play risks serious additional damage.
  2. 2 RICE — Rest, Ice (20 min every 2–3 hours), Compression bandage, Elevation above heart level. First 48–72 hours.
  3. 3 Get an MRI — do not rely on X-ray alone. X-rays show bone only. Ligaments and meniscus require MRI for diagnosis.
  4. 4 Book an assessment — bring your MRI to Dr. Harjoban for a same-day diagnosis and treatment plan.
💬 WhatsApp us your MRI for a free preliminary review
Treatment Decision Guide

Does Every Knee Injury Need Surgery?

No — and we always try non-surgical treatment first where appropriate. Here is an honest guide.

Injury Non-Surgical? Surgery Needed When
ACL Tear (partial) Yes — physio + bracing for low-activity patients Instability, young/active, return to sport required
ACL Tear (complete) Rarely adequate for active patients Almost always for active/young patients
Medial Meniscus Tear Sometimes — peripheral tears may heal with rest Central tears, locked knee, failed physiotherapy
Lateral Meniscus Tear Sometimes — depends on tear type and zone Similar indications to medial meniscus
PCL Tear Often — most isolated PCL tears heal with physio Complete tears causing instability, multi-ligament injury
Cartilage Grade 1–2 Yes — physio, load management, PRP Usually not needed for low grades
Cartilage Grade 3–4 Partial — PRP, offloading, activity modification Microfracture, cartilage transplant for young/active patients
Patella Dislocation (first) Usually — physio + bracing (60–70% success) Recurrent dislocation — MPFL reconstruction
IT Band Syndrome Almost always — load management, stretching, hip work Very rarely, only after prolonged failed treatment
Patellar Tendinopathy Always tried first — eccentric exercise, PRP Only after 6+ months of failed non-surgical treatment

Dr. Harjoban will review your MRI and give you an honest opinion — surgery only when it is truly the right choice for your injury, age, and goals.

Injuries We Treat

Knee Sports Injuries We Treat at Gini Hospital

Comprehensive arthroscopic care for every sports knee injury — from diagnosis to return to competition.

1. ACL Tear (Anterior Cruciate Ligament)

Most Common Sports Injury
What it is
The primary stabilising ligament of the knee. Controls rotational and anterior stability. When torn, the knee becomes rotationally unstable — causing ongoing damage to meniscus and cartilage.
How it happens
Sudden twisting, cutting, pivoting, or landing awkwardly. Football, basketball, kabaddi, cricket, gym. Often a non-contact mechanism — planted foot with sudden direction change.
Symptoms
Loud "pop" at time of injury. Immediate significant swelling within hours. Knee feels unstable or "gives way." Unable to continue sport. May still be able to weight-bear.
Non-Surgical
Possible for older/less active patients. However, the knee remains rotationally unstable — adequate for low-demand daily life, not sport. ACL-deficient knee silently damages meniscus over years.
Surgical Treatment
ACL Reconstruction — arthroscopic. Torn ligament replaced with a tendon graft fixed in bone tunnels.
Graft options:
  • Hamstring autograft (most common)
  • Patellar tendon autograft (gold standard)
  • Allograft (for revision cases)
Return to Sport
9–12 months. Biology of graft incorporation cannot be rushed. Return cleared by functional testing — quad strength symmetry and hop tests — not time alone.

2. PCL Tear (Posterior Cruciate Ligament)

Often Non-Surgical
What it is
The strongest ligament in the knee. Prevents the tibia (shin bone) from sliding backward relative to the femur. Stronger and more vascular than the ACL — better natural healing capacity.
How it happens
Direct blow to the front of a bent knee — dashboard injury in car accidents, fall on a bent knee, direct tackle. Contact mechanism, unlike ACL.
Symptoms
Pain behind the knee. Feeling of posterior instability. Difficulty with stairs, slopes, and deceleration. Often less dramatic than ACL at time of injury.
Non-Surgical
Many isolated Grade 1–2 PCL tears respond well to physiotherapy, bracing, and quad strengthening. The PCL has better healing potential than the ACL.
Surgical Treatment
PCL Reconstruction for complete tears causing ongoing instability, or multi-ligament knee injuries. Arthroscopic technique. Graft from hamstring or allograft.
Return to Sport
6–12 months depending on severity and whether surgery was required.

3. Medial Meniscus Tear

Most Commonly Torn
What it is
The C-shaped inner cartilage that acts as a shock absorber and stabiliser. The medial meniscus is less mobile and more prone to tearing, especially in combination with ACL injuries.
How it happens
Twisting or squatting under load. Often combined with ACL tears. Degenerative tears occur in older patients with gradual wear.
Symptoms
Inner (medial) knee pain and tenderness. Swelling. Clicking or locking sensation. Pain during squatting, pivoting, or climbing stairs. Knee may catch or lock in position.
Non-Surgical
Peripheral tears in the outer vascular zone can sometimes heal with rest, bracing, and physiotherapy — the blood supply supports healing. Central zone tears cannot heal.
Surgical Treatment
Meniscal Repair (preferred): sutures to preserve meniscus. 4–6 months recovery.

Partial Meniscectomy: trimming of avascular zone tears. 6–8 weeks recovery. Slightly higher long-term arthritis risk.
Return to Sport
Repair: 4–6 months.
Meniscectomy: 6–8 weeks.

4. Lateral Meniscus Tear

Often With ACL Injury
What it is
The outer (lateral) meniscus — more mobile and circular than the medial, and more commonly torn in association with ACL injuries due to pivot-shift mechanisms.
Symptoms
Outer (lateral) knee pain, swelling, clicking. Lateral joint-line tenderness on examination. Often occurs with ACL injuries — both may be addressed in the same arthroscopic procedure.
Treatment
Same principles as medial meniscus. Slightly higher repair success rate due to better blood supply in the lateral meniscus. Repair preserved whenever tear pattern allows.
Return to Sport
Same as medial meniscus: Repair 4–6 months, Meniscectomy 6–8 weeks.

5. Cartilage Injuries (Chondral / Osteochondral)

Treat Early — Cannot Self-Heal
Grades
Grade 1: Softening/swelling of cartilage surface
Grade 2: Partial thickness fissuring
Grade 3: Deep fissures to subchondral bone
Grade 4: Full thickness loss — bone exposed
How it happens
Impact, twisting, or gradual overload. Osteochondral injuries in young athletes often occur from a single high-impact event. Chronic untreated instability (e.g., from ACL tear) causes secondary cartilage damage.
Non-Surgical (Grade 1–2)
Physiotherapy, PRP injections, offloading, activity modification. Grade 1–2 can stabilise and remain asymptomatic with good management.
Surgical (Grade 3–4, Young/Active)
Microfracture: Bone marrow stimulation — fibrocartilage fill

OATS: Cartilage plug transplant from non-load-bearing area

ACI/MACI: Cartilage cell transplant for large defects
Important
Untreated Grade 3–4 in young patients accelerates arthritis. Early surgical treatment can prevent or significantly delay the need for knee replacement.
Return to Sport
4–6 months for microfracture (small defect). Larger procedures may require longer rehabilitation.

6. Patella Dislocation & MPFL Injury

Common in Young Athletes
What it is
The kneecap (patella) dislocates laterally — pulled outward from its groove. The MPFL (medial patellofemoral ligament) is torn in virtually every dislocation. Common in teenage girls and young adults.
How it happens
Sudden twisting or cutting movement, direct blow, or in athletes with pre-existing bony alignment issues (high patella, shallow trochlea groove).
First Dislocation
Physiotherapy and bracing. 60–70% success rate for first-time dislocations without associated bone or cartilage injury.
Recurrent Dislocation
MPFL Reconstruction — arthroscopic. Graft reconstructs the torn medial restraint. Tibial tubercle osteotomy may be added for significant bony alignment problems.
Return to Sport
4–6 months following MPFL reconstruction.

7. IT Band Syndrome (Iliotibial Band Friction Syndrome)

Almost Always Non-Surgical
What it is
The iliotibial band (a thick band of fascia from hip to shin) becomes irritated where it repeatedly rubs over the outer knee bone (lateral femoral epicondyle) during repetitive flexion-extension.
Who gets it
Runners, cyclists, hikers — especially following a sudden increase in training load. The #1 overuse knee injury in distance runners.
Symptoms
Sharp, burning pain on the outer knee — typically at the same point in a run (around 15–20 minutes). No swelling. Worse going downhill. Disappears at rest.
Treatment
Almost always non-surgical. Load management, stretching (hip and IT band), hip abductor strengthening, gait analysis, foam rolling. Corticosteroid injection for persistent inflammation.
Return to Sport
4–8 weeks with proper load management and physio. Gait/biomechanics correction key to preventing recurrence.

8. Patellar Tendinopathy (Jumper's Knee)

Overuse — Load Management
What it is
Overuse degeneration (tendinopathy) of the patellar tendon — the tendon connecting the kneecap to the tibia. Not a true inflammation but degenerative change within tendon fibres from repeated overload.
Who gets it
Basketball and volleyball players (hence "Jumper's Knee"), long-distance runners, weightlifters. Repeated loading of the extensor mechanism beyond its recovery capacity.
Symptoms
Pain directly below the kneecap, typically worse after activity and initially improving with warm-up. No acute event. Tenderness on pressing the lower pole of patella.
Treatment
Eccentric exercise (the cornerstone — heavy slow resistance training). Load management. PRP injections for persistent cases. Surgery only after 6+ months of failed conservative treatment.
Return to Sport
8 weeks to 6 months depending on severity and compliance with eccentric rehab programme.

9. Knee Bursitis

Usually Non-Surgical
Types
Prepatellar bursitis: Front of kneecap ("Housemaid's knee") — direct pressure or trauma
Pes anserine bursitis: Inner knee, common in overweight and runners
Infrapatellar bursitis: Below kneecap, from kneeling or jumping
Symptoms
Localised swelling, tenderness, and warmth at the bursa location. Fluctuant swelling on pressing. May be infected (septic bursitis) — which requires urgent treatment.
Treatment
Rest, ice, anti-inflammatory medication, compression. Aspiration (draining) if large. Corticosteroid injection for persistent non-infected bursitis. Surgical bursectomy rarely needed. Septic bursitis requires antibiotics and drainage.
Return to Sport
1–4 weeks for simple bursitis with conservative management.
Our Approach

How We Treat Knee Sports Injuries

Every patient gets a structured, phased treatment plan — from first assessment to return to competition.

🌿
Non-Surgical First

We always explore non-surgical options where appropriate before recommending surgery.

  • RICE protocol first 48–72 hours (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation)
  • Structured physiotherapy programme — not just generic exercises
  • Bracing and taping for stability and offloading
  • PRP injections — your own platelets and growth factors to accelerate healing
  • Activity modification and return-to-sport planning
  • Weight management and biomechanics correction
🔬
Arthroscopic Surgery (Keyhole)

When surgery is necessary, we use minimally invasive arthroscopic techniques exclusively for knee sports injuries.

  • 3–4 small incisions (less than 1cm each)
  • HD camera for magnified, detailed view of joint
  • Diagnosis confirmed and treatment performed in one procedure
  • Less post-op pain than open surgery
  • Faster return to sport and daily activity
  • Lower infection risk and less scarring

Dr. Harjoban performs arthroscopically: ACL reconstruction, PCL reconstruction, meniscal repair, partial meniscectomy, cartilage microfracture, MPFL reconstruction, loose body removal, synovectomy, tibial tubercle osteotomy.

🏃
Rehabilitation & Return to Sport

Surgery is only the first step. A structured return-to-sport programme begins from Day 1 post-op.

  • Phase-by-phase rehabilitation — not one-size-fits-all
  • Functional testing to determine readiness: strength symmetry, hop tests
  • Sport-specific movement testing before competitive clearance
  • Return-to-sport planning from the day of your consultation
  • Collaboration with physiotherapists and sports coaches
  • Formal clearance by Dr. Harjoban before return to competition
Your Treatment Journey

From Injury to Return to Sport

A clear, structured pathway from first assessment through surgery and rehabilitation to full competitive return.

📋 Pre-Surgery Preparation
  • MRI is mandatory before surgery — bring yours or we arrange same-day MRI
  • Blood tests, ECG if above 40 years or with medical history
  • Stop anti-inflammatory medications (ibuprofen, diclofenac) 5 days before surgery
  • Stop blood thinners as specifically advised by Dr. Harjoban
  • Pre-operative physiotherapy ("prehab") — stronger quads before surgery = better post-op outcome
  • Fast from midnight on the night before surgery
  • Arrange transport and adult carer for discharge day
🔧 In Surgery
  • Spinal or general anaesthesia — discussed and decided beforehand with anaesthesiology
  • Tourniquet applied for bloodless operative field
  • 3–4 small portals (incisions less than 1cm) — no large incision
  • Arthroscope inserted: HD camera provides magnified, detailed joint view
  • Repair or reconstruction performed as planned
  • Duration: 45 minutes (simple meniscectomy) to 2 hours (ACL + meniscal repair combined)
  • Most patients same-day discharge or one overnight stay
🩹 Post-Operative Recovery
  • Pain managed with oral medication — typically mild to moderate day 1–3
  • Physiotherapy begins Day 3–5 for most procedures
  • Brace and weight-bearing protocol specific to your procedure
  • Swelling monitored and managed with ice and elevation
  • Follow-up at 2 weeks for wound check and progress review
  • Phase-based rehabilitation through to return-to-sport functional testing

Post-Operative Protocol by Procedure

Procedure Brace Weight Bearing Physio Start Return to Sport
ACL Reconstruction Hinged brace 6 weeks Partial Day 1, Full Week 2 Day 3–5 9–12 months
PCL Reconstruction Brace 6 weeks Partial Day 2 Week 1 9–12 months
Meniscal Repair Hinged brace 4–6 weeks Non-weight-bearing 4–6 weeks Day 3 4–6 months
Partial Meniscectomy None usually Full Day 1 Day 2–3 6–8 weeks
Cartilage Microfracture Brace if needed Non-weight-bearing 6 weeks Day 3 4–6 months
MPFL Reconstruction Brace 6 weeks Partial Day 1 Day 3 4–6 months
ACL Rehabilitation Programme

Full ACL Recovery Programme — 6 Phases

Click each phase to expand the detailed protocol.

Phase 1 — Protection & Activation (Week 1–2)
Goals: Control swelling · Activate quads · Achieve 90° bend
  • Quad sets (isometric quad contraction) — 3 sets × 20 reps, 3× daily
  • Straight leg raises — 3 sets × 15 reps
  • Ankle pumps every hour to reduce DVT risk
  • Heel slides to work toward 90° knee bend
  • Ice 20 minutes every 2–3 hours for swelling control
  • Crutches for walking — partial weight-bearing as tolerated
  • Brace locked in full extension for walking
  • Sleep with leg elevated above heart level
Phase 2 — Early Recovery (Week 3–6)
Goals: Full weight-bearing · 120° bend · Normal walking pattern
  • Stationary cycling — low resistance, no clipless pedals
  • Leg press (light resistance, 0–60° range)
  • Step-ups (starting with low step)
  • Balance board / proprioception training — begin single-leg standing
  • Pool walking — excellent low-impact strength and ROM recovery
  • Progressively wean off crutches as quad control improves
  • Brace opened to 0–90° for walking
Phase 3 — Strength Building (Week 6–12)
Goals: Symmetric strength · 130°+ bend · Single-leg activities
  • Squats (progress from assisted to full bodyweight)
  • Lunges (forward, reverse, lateral)
  • Progressive leg press
  • Romanian deadlifts for hamstring strength (graft donor area)
  • Single-leg balance and wobble board progressions
  • Swimming (freestyle, breaststroke avoided)
  • Jogging assessment at Week 12 if quad strength >70% symmetry
  • Cycling outdoors — flat terrain
Phase 4 — Running & Agility (Month 3–6)
Goals: Symmetric running · Agility · Change of direction
  • Running programme: straight-line → gentle curves → full cutting
  • Lateral shuffles and side steps
  • Carioca (crossover running) — builds rotational control
  • Box jumps and landing mechanics training
  • Sport-specific movement drills (passing, receiving, court movement)
  • Gym: all lower body exercises, progressive loading
Phase 5 — Return to Training (Month 6–9)
Goals: Full training · Contact drills · Team practice
  • Full training participation (non-contact initially)
  • Contact training introduced progressively
  • Team drills and match simulation
  • Cleared when: Quad strength >90% symmetry on isokinetic testing
  • Cleared when: Single-leg hop test >90% symmetry
  • Cleared when: Pain-free full range of motion
Phase 6 — Return to Competition (Month 9–12)
Goals: Full competitive sport · Formal clearance
  • Formal return-to-sport clearance consultation with Dr. Harjoban
  • Psychological readiness assessed — fear of re-injury is real and addressable
  • Consider prophylactic brace for high-pivot sports (football, basketball, kabaddi)
  • Continued gym maintenance programme throughout competitive season
  • Remember: the re-tear rate drops significantly after the 12-month mark
Your Surgeon

Dr. Harjoban Singh

Arthroscopic & Sports Medicine Surgeon — Mohali's dedicated knee and shoulder arthroscopy specialist.

Dr. Harjoban Singh — Arthroscopic Knee & Sports Medicine Surgeon, Gini Hospital Mohali
Dr. Harjoban Singh
Arthroscopic & Sports Medicine Surgeon
MBBS  ·  MS (Orthopaedics)  ·  Fellowship in Arthroscopy & Sports Medicine
  • 10,000+ arthroscopic surgeries performed across knee and shoulder
  • ACL reconstruction, meniscal repair, and cartilage procedures specialist
  • Fellowship-trained in Arthroscopy & Sports Medicine
  • Return-to-sport specialist — functional clearance-based testing, not time-based
  • Complex revision arthroscopic procedures including failed ACL and revision meniscal work
  • NABH-accredited hospital practice — quality and safety assured
"My priority with every sports injury patient is full return to the sport they love — not just pain relief. The right surgery, the right rehabilitation, and the right return-to-sport plan makes all the difference."
— Dr. Harjoban Singh
Costs & Insurance

Transparent Pricing

We believe in clear, upfront pricing. No surprises. Written estimates before any procedure.

Service Cost
OPD Consultation — Dr. Harjoban Singh ₹1,500
Arthroscopic Surgery (ACL, Meniscus, Cartilage, MPFL) Contact for written estimate
PRP Injection (Platelet Rich Plasma) Discussed at consultation
Physiotherapy Programme Discussed at consultation
Insurance Coverage: Most arthroscopic surgical procedures (ACL reconstruction, meniscal repair/meniscectomy, cartilage surgery) are covered by CGHS, ECHS, and major private health insurers. PRP and physiotherapy coverage varies by individual plan. Our billing team will check your specific coverage and handle all pre-authorisation paperwork.

✅ Cashless facility available  ·  ✅ 32+ insurance partners  ·  ✅ Dedicated insurance co-ordinator
Frequently Asked Questions

Knee Sports Injury — Common Questions

Honest answers from Dr. Harjoban Singh and our clinical team.

Do I need surgery for an ACL tear?
It depends on your age, activity level, and goals. For active and young patients, ACL reconstruction is almost always recommended — an unstable ACL causes ongoing damage to the meniscus and cartilage over time, even without repeated injury episodes. For low-demand, older, or sedentary patients, non-surgical management with physiotherapy and bracing may be adequate. Dr. Harjoban will give you an honest, personalised recommendation based on your MRI and lifestyle.
Can a torn meniscus heal on its own?
Peripheral meniscal tears (in the outer zone with good blood supply) sometimes heal with conservative treatment — rest, bracing, and physiotherapy. However, central zone tears cannot heal — they have no blood supply. If you have mechanical symptoms like locking, clicking, or giving way, surgery is usually needed. WhatsApp us your MRI for a preliminary opinion from Dr. Harjoban.
How long does ACL recovery take?
9 to 12 months. The biology of graft incorporation into bone tunnels cannot be rushed — the graft goes through a vulnerable "ligamentisation" phase around months 3–6 when re-tear risk is highest. Returning to sport too early is the most common cause of ACL re-tear. Clearance at Gini Hospital is based on functional testing (quad strength symmetry >90%, hop tests), not just time elapsed.
What is the difference between meniscal repair and meniscectomy?
Meniscal repair sutures the torn meniscus back together — this preserves the meniscus, and long-term outcomes are better, with lower future arthritis risk. Recovery is longer (4–6 months). Partial meniscectomy trims away the torn, irreparable portion — recovery is faster (6–8 weeks) but slightly increases long-term arthritis risk. Dr. Harjoban always prefers repair when the tear location, pattern, and patient age make it biologically possible.
Can I return to sport after knee surgery?
Yes — returning to full sport is the primary goal of our sports knee programme. Timelines: ACL reconstruction 9–12 months; meniscal repair 4–6 months; partial meniscectomy 6–8 weeks; cartilage microfracture 4–6 months; MPFL reconstruction 4–6 months. All returns are cleared based on functional testing, not time alone.
How do I know if I need an MRI?
If you have significant swelling, a feeling of instability, a locking sensation, or are unable to weight-bear after a knee injury, you need an MRI. X-rays do not show ligaments, meniscus, or cartilage — the structures most commonly injured in sports. Do not rely on an X-ray to rule out a serious knee injury. We can arrange same-day MRI at Gini Hospital, or WhatsApp us your existing report for a preliminary opinion from Dr. Harjoban.
Is arthroscopic knee surgery safe?
Yes — knee arthroscopy is among the safest orthopaedic procedures performed. It involves only 3–4 small incisions (less than 1cm each), has a very low complication rate, and most patients go home the same day or the following morning. Dr. Harjoban has performed over 10,000 arthroscopic procedures. Serious complications (infection, nerve injury, DVT) are rare and managed proactively with our NABH-accredited protocols.
What happens if I don't treat a cartilage injury?
Cartilage cannot heal itself. Grade 3–4 chondral defects (full or near-full thickness) will progressively worsen and accelerate the development of osteoarthritis. In patients under 45, early surgical treatment (microfracture, OATS, or MACI) can prevent or significantly delay the need for a knee replacement — which is a far more major procedure. Leaving it untreated is not advisable in active, younger patients.
How soon can I return to the gym after meniscus surgery?
After partial meniscectomy: upper body gym from Week 1, light lower body exercises from Week 3, full gym activity at 6–8 weeks. After meniscal repair: upper body from Week 1, lower body only from Week 8 onwards (no squatting past 90° for 3 months). Full gym clearance after meniscal repair is at 4–6 months. These timelines protect the healing repair — rushing lower body loading is the most common reason repairs fail.
Is a knee brace enough for an ACL tear?
A knee brace provides some rotational stability for daily activities, but it does not replicate ACL function during sport — especially for cutting, pivoting, and high-speed direction changes. More importantly, living with an ACL-deficient knee causes ongoing "giving way" episodes (even small ones) that progressively damage the meniscus and articular cartilage. For active patients who want to return to sport, ACL reconstruction remains the recommended treatment. A brace is useful as a short-term measure while awaiting surgery, not as a long-term solution for active individuals.
Related Services

Also at Gini Hospital

🦿
Knee Replacement Mohali
Older patient with arthritis rather than a sports injury? See our full knee replacement programme — partial and total.
🦴
Shoulder & Arthroscopy
Shoulder injury too? Dr. Harjoban covers the full spectrum of shoulder conditions — rotator cuff, instability, frozen shoulder.
🩺
Diabetes Treatment
Optimise your blood sugar before surgery — patients with well-controlled diabetes have significantly better surgical outcomes and faster healing.

Get Back to the Sport You Love

Same-day assessments. Arthroscopic specialists. Led by Dr. Harjoban Singh. NABH Accredited.

📞 Call 0172 4120100
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