Discuss ACL injury treatment with Dr. Mesut Sançmış in Antalya. Understand knee instability, rehabilitation and when anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction may be considered.
The anterior cruciate ligament, or ACL, connects the thigh bone to the shin bone inside the knee. It helps control forward movement of the tibia and provides stability during turning and changes of direction.
An ACL injury can stretch the ligament or tear it partially or completely. It often happens during a pivot, sudden stop or awkward landing, sometimes without another person making contact.
Treatment aims to restore useful stability and movement. The decision between rehabilitation and surgery depends on how the knee functions, associated injuries and the activities you need to resume.
Symptoms of an ACL Tear
A popping sensation, rapid swelling and difficulty continuing an activity can follow an ACL tear. Later, the knee may give way when turning or moving on uneven ground.
Pain can settle while instability remains, so feeling more comfortable does not necessarily mean the ligament is functioning normally.
Arrange assessment after a significant knee injury. A knee that cannot bear weight or is locked and cannot straighten needs prompt medical attention rather than waiting for a routine consultation.
How Is an ACL Injury Diagnosed?
Examination assesses swelling, movement and ligament stability. The history of the injury helps distinguish an ACL problem from meniscus damage, kneecap instability and other causes of knee symptoms.
MRI can confirm the extent of ligament damage and identify associated meniscus or cartilage injuries. X-rays may be used to investigate fractures or other bone changes.
An MRI result does not determine treatment by itself. Your symptoms, physical examination and activity requirements are also important when deciding what to do next.
Non-Surgical ACL Treatment
A structured rehabilitation programme may be appropriate when the knee is sufficiently stable for everyday life and the activities you intend to continue. This can include selected partial tears and some complete tears without troublesome instability.
Physiotherapy develops thigh and hip strength, balance and control during movement. Activity modification and, in some circumstances, a brace may form part of the plan.
Rehabilitation improves the knee's ability to function; it does not guarantee that a torn ligament will heal. Repeated giving-way episodes warrant reassessment because other structures can be injured.
When Is ACL Reconstruction Considered?
Reconstruction may be considered for persistent instability, a return to pivoting sports or work involving demanding changes of direction. Associated meniscus tears and other ligament injuries can also influence the recommendation.
The discussion should include your willingness and ability to complete rehabilitation. An operation alone does not restore sporting fitness.
Age is one factor, but it should not replace assessment of activity, joint condition and goals. Younger patients with open growth plates require additional surgical planning.
How ACL Reconstruction Works
Preparing the Knee
Before surgery, physiotherapy may be used to reduce swelling, recover movement and improve muscle control. The timing also depends on associated injuries; some need earlier attention.
Discuss the proposed graft, any additional procedures and the rehabilitation requirements before agreeing to surgery.
Replacing the Torn Ligament
ACL reconstruction usually uses arthroscopy to assess the joint and guide placement of a tendon graft. The graft passes through prepared bone tunnels or sockets and is fixed in position.
Over time, it incorporates and remodels. Meniscus treatment may be performed during the same operation when indicated.
Choosing a Graft
Grafts can come from your own hamstring, patellar or quadriceps tendon, or from donor tissue. The choice involves considerations such as sporting demands, age, previous surgery and the effects of taking tissue from a particular site.
No single graft is the best choice for every patient.
Recovery and Rehabilitation
Early Recovery
The initial priorities are managing swelling, recovering knee extension and activating the thigh muscles. Crutches and a brace may be needed according to the procedure.
Additional meniscus repair can change weight-bearing and bending restrictions. Your instructions should reflect everything performed, not just the ACL reconstruction.
Strength and Movement Control
Rehabilitation progresses through strengthening, balance work and increasingly demanding movement tasks. Progress is reviewed so exercises match the knee's response.
A small surgical wound does not indicate that the graft is ready for unrestricted loading.
Returning to Sport
Returning to pivoting or contact sports commonly takes around nine to twelve months, and sometimes longer. Clearance should consider strength, movement quality, swelling, confidence and functional testing.
Completing a certain number of months is not enough on its own. Training and competition may need separate stages.
Risks and Limitations of ACL Surgery
Risks include infection, blood clots, stiffness, persistent pain and injury to surrounding nerves or blood vessels. The graft can stretch or tear, and some patients continue to experience instability.
Another operation may be needed if the reconstruction fails. A return to the previous level of sport cannot be guaranteed.
After surgery, worsening calf pain or swelling requires urgent assessment. Chest pain or breathlessness needs emergency medical care.
ACL Treatment Cost in Turkey
Rehabilitation and reconstructive surgery involve different services. For a surgical estimate, clarify the graft, fixation devices, hospital care and any additional meniscus procedure.
Ask how physiotherapy, braces, follow-up and investigations are charged. The overall recovery budget should account for continuing rehabilitation after the initial surgical care.
Share available MRI reports and details of previous rehabilitation when contacting the team. Confirm the assessment and early follow-up schedule before booking travel.
Establish who will supervise rehabilitation after you return home and how progress will be communicated. Your discharge date and fitness to fly are separate decisions.
I wish to take this opportunity to thank Dr Mesut Sançmış for his kind, caring and professional approach to my long term medical issues. He very efficiently examined, tested and diagnosed my medical issues and offered treatment of arthroscopic knee surgery for the following day.
The surgery was an absolute success with my original pain now gone and the procedure stiffness subsiding daily. I can already walk and sleep better and my quality of life is improving. The constant pain etched on my face and in my daily life has gone and I can never thank him enough. He is a true gentleman and 5 star surgeon.
Trustpilot
From the very beginning, I felt that I was in good hands with Dr. Mesut Sançmis . The consultation was clear, supportive, and reassuring, which made me feel confident about moving forward. Throughout the treatment, Dr. Mesut Sançmis showed great care and professionalism, always making sure I was comfortable and informed.
The results have exceeded my expectations — my feet not only look better, but I feel more confident and at ease in my daily life. It has truly been a positive change for me, both physically and emotionally.
I am very grateful for the expertise, kindness, and attention to detail that Dr. Mesut Sançmis provided. I would gladly recommend this clinic to anyone looking for high-quality, compassionate care.
WhatClinic
The Dr was very helpful and honest and gave me my options how to go forward. Very pleased with the support. I requested injections and the Dr recommended would not help as my condition requires surgery in the near future
Google
MSM Klinik have been excellent. From the initial consultation, through the Hospital procedure and the after care absolutely fantastic. Communication about the knee procedure and the ease of making it happen with genuine concern for your welfare and recovery. Highly recommend this great Klinic. Thanks MSM
Google
I fortunately came across Dr. Mesut while researching orthopedic surgeons in Antalya after suffering a severe heel fracture in the United States. From the beginning, I was uneasy with the treatment plan proposed by my U.S. surgeon. After more than a year of being told that it was simply a “bad break” that would take time to heal, it was finally discovered that I had also severely sprained my ankle at the time of the injury, resulting in partial ligament and tendon tears that had been missed entirely.
When these tears were eventually identified, the solution I was given was ankle fusion surgery, an option that would have permanently limited my mobility. This did not sit right with me.
While in Antalya for my spouse's dental care, I had the opportunity to consult with Dr. Mesut at MSM Klinik. His team quickly arranged comprehensive testing to fully understand what was happening with my foot. Dr. Mesut confirmed the ligament and tendon damage but was very clear that ankle fusion was not the appropriate solution for my case. Through my time there, it was clear to me that he treats a wide range of complex orthopedic conditions, not just ankle cases, which gave me even more confidence in his overall experience. From our first conversation, I felt confident in his expertise. He immediately recognized the complexity of my injury, especially given that my foot had healed incorrectly over the course of more than a year and a half.
After returning to the U.S. and doing further research, I made the decision to go back to Antalya and proceed with surgery under Dr. Mesut’s care. One of the major factors in my decision was his use of stem cell therapy, an option that was never even discussed by my doctors in the United States.
From start to finish, the level of professionalism and compassion at MSM Klinik was exceptional. Everyone in the office was attentive, organized, and supportive. Eli was especially wonderful, managing all logistics and providing clear translation throughout the entire process, which made everything seamless and stress free. During my stay, I also received IV vitamin and supportive therapies at the office designed to aid healing and speed recovery.
I am now just 2.5 weeks post surgery and already able to walk at approximately 50% weight bearing. In the U.S., I would have been non-weight bearing for at least two months before even beginning this stage. My recovery has been faster and smoother than I ever expected, and everything is healing remarkably well.
Trustpilot
Near Lara/speak English/top orthopedic
Top orthopedic. We needed a hand surgeon for our son who had an accident with a knife. Great Service via WhatsApp/speak English. Modern clinic. All innovative methods. State of art Equipment. Near hotels in Lara/Kundu. Also good for international tourists.
Google
I had a bit of a medical emergency during my trip to Antalya, and I'm so glad I found this clinic. They managed to squeeze me in right away and built a care program that worked perfectly with the rest of my stay. The doctor was wonderful, and having a translator there made the whole process stress-free. I felt truly well-cared for at every appointment!
WhatClinic
Dr Mesut and the team were exceptional and delivered excellent service. My issue was well investigated and management options/plans were provided. I am well satisfied with the service and happy with the outcome. Thank you again
Google
Service was excellent. I’m forever grateful to Surgeon Mesut Sancmis for taking care of me. I’m still recovering and have a follow up coming soon but I’m confident I will recover 100%. The whole staff was very attentive and professional. Starting with the driver he was so helpful and nice assisting me with my wheelchair. Amy who was with me throughout the whole process made sure all my needs and concerns were addressed. I didn’t feel there was a language barrier because she was there to translate and facilitate all my needs. Even after discharge Dr Mesut and Amy visit me multiple times to check on me and make sure everything was going well. I highly recommend them. Dr Mesut Sancmis is an awesome surgeon I’m glad I found him and if I ever need surgery again i will choose him, I highly recommend him. Thank you 🙏🏽
Google
My wife had a knee injection at MSM Klinik in Antalya in Turkey last year. She had been suffering from severe knee pain for several years and the injection really helped her regain mobility. So, we returned to MSM Klinik this year, where she has now had a second injection, which we expect will help her sustain her ability to walk at least another six months free of pain. My wife has been referred to NHS orthopedic specialists in the UK and is waiting for their diagnosis also. Waiting times are very long still in the UK, so the assistance provided by MSM Klinik in Turkey in the meantime has been extremely helpful.
WhatClinic
I visited Antalya in early May of 2025, while experiencing acute sciatica pain going down my left leg. I got in touch with MSM Klinik and had the exam scheduled promptly after talking over the phone with the staff. I had the X-rays and MRI done very promptly at Yasam Hastanesi Life Hospital. MSM Klinik staff, Mr. Mursel, took me to the hospital and was with me there while I was getting the x-rays and MRI done. Then he drove me back to the MSM Klinik where we reviewed the results with the Doctor. The Doctor appeared very knowledgeable and offered an effective treatment plan. However, it was beyond my budget. I continued to manage my back pain with NSAID.
I'm giving 5 starts for the service and promptness, but not for any medical procedure as no medical procedure was done.
The Doctor, his assistant Mr. Murcel, and the office staff were very kind, professional and attentive to my issue, which deserves a 5 star review.
The MRI, x-rays and the consultation were reasonably priced.
Google
I couldn't recommend this clinic more!
In addition to achieving my desired results, the clinic and doctor were constantly in touch with me (both in person and by phone) and responded quickly to any questions or concerns I had. This gave me peace of mind and made the process feel much easier, while giving me confidence in it.
Google
Challenging or mild conditions require the type of specific attention provided! Dr. Mesut Sancmis Ortopedi and his entire staff are highly knowledgeable and solution focused! It is incredible to witness the difference their patient care delivers. Do you have back pain, shoulder issues, orthopedic problems, here’s your source for these and MUCH more! Please don’t hesitate to book your 1st consultation to start on the path of healing!
Google
The staff / ladies at the clinic are very professional, friendly and cute,,,, nothing is too much trouble.
Dr Mesut is also very Professional and knowledgeable, and if his treatment works successfully, which i have no doubt about, I will return annually for check overs / mot.
If not I will return just once,,,, for a refund 😂🤣
Seriously he is very very good, i totally recommend him and his team and I have experienced hospitals / clinics all over the world due to my previous life racing Speedway,,,, tge racing was fine,,,, the crashes were the problem.
01 / 14
Ratings as shown on each platform on 15 October 2026. Reviews cover a range of treatments and are the opinions of individual patients.
Accommodation
Accommodation in Antalya
Ask the team about accommodation at Ramada Plaza Antalya and the arrangements relevant to your planned stay.CONFIRM: partnership
Ramada Plaza AntalyaPartner hotel · on the cliffs, next to the old town
~10 minto the clinic
On sitesea platform
~20 minfrom the airport
Distances are approximate.CONFIRM
Everything set up for recovery
Accessible roomSpace for crutches and a wheelchair
Some people can walk comfortably in a straight line despite an ACL tear. Turning, uneven surfaces or sporting movements may still expose instability, so walking alone does not establish recovery.
Does Every Complete ACL Tear Need Surgery?
No. Some patients function well with rehabilitation and suitable activity choices. Persistent instability, associated injuries and a wish to return to pivoting activities can favour reconstruction.
Is ACL Repair the Same as Reconstruction?
No. Repair attempts to preserve and reconnect the injured ligament; reconstruction replaces its function with a graft. Repair is an option only for selected injury patterns.
Can a Meniscus Tear Be Treated at the Same Time?
Yes, when indicated. The surgeon assesses whether meniscal tissue can be repaired or requires another approach. Combined treatment can change the rehabilitation programme.
Can I Return to Sport as Soon as the Pain Stops?
No. Pain relief can occur before strength, movement control and graft recovery are sufficient for sport. Follow the clearance process agreed with your surgeon and physiotherapist.