According to the CDC, an ACL injury affects an estimated 250,000 people annually in the United States - making the ACL the most commonly injured ligament in the knee.
Because the ACL absorbs an incredible amount of stress, this statistic is not surprising. The ACL is a strong ligament that connects the femur to the tibia, and helps stabilize the knee when you change direction rapidly or stop suddenly.
Most often an ACL tear occurs due to a sports injury or trauma. Pain, swelling, and stiffness are the most common symptoms of an ACL tear and can be accompanied by a loud popping noise or the feeling of instability. To diagnose an ACL tear, a review of your symptoms and medical history, as well as a physical examination of the knee, will be performed.
The treatment for a torn ACL depends on the severity of the tear and the patient’s range of activity.
Severity of tear:
Minor tears can be treated with non-surgical treatment. Rest, ice, compression, and elevation can help reduce swelling and pain. Physical therapy can help strengthen the muscles in the legs and bring stability to the knee while compensating for the torn ACL. Regenerative medicine may also be a viable treatment when surgery is not indicated. Full or large tears cannot heal without surgery.
Range of activity:
For older patients who are not actively involved in sports, non-surgical treatment can provide adequate knee stability and function. However, for younger patients and those who are actively involved in sports, surgery is almost always recommended. An ACL tear that is left untreated or is only treated through non-surgical means will likely result in future meniscal damage, additional cartilage damage, knee instability, and osteoarthritis.
Although a torn ACL is a common injury, the treatment plan is not common to everyone. Treatment for a torn ACL is specific to each patient depending on the severity of the tear, activity level, and future goals. Make an appointment to have your knee evaluated so we can determine the best treatment for you and your long-term success.
Dr. Daneca DiPaolo is a highly skilled, board certified orthopedic surgeon and hand specialist located in Grenada, Mississippi. She of ers the newest orthopedic techniques, and she provides quality, compassionate, state of the art orthopedic care.
