Your Options for a Torn ACL

Posted On: 08-12-2016

Tears affecting the anterior cruciate ligament, often referred to as the ACL, commonly occur among both amateur and professional athletes. High-performance sports in particular, such as football and soccer, often involve movements that can cause the ACL to become torn. Surgery is often required to repair damage to the ligament, although this isn't the only treatment option that may be recommended by an orthopedic specialist.

What Can Cause an ACL Tear?

Statistically affecting female athletes more than male athletes, ACL tears can occur in several ways. ACL tears may result from changing direction rapidly while running or landing incorrectly from a jump or leap. Stopping suddenly or twisting the knee in some way may also place enough pressure on the ACL to cause a tear. Common sports-related causes of ACL tears and injuries include hard falls directly on one or both knees, direct collisions, or hard tackles and hits.

Symptoms of an ACL Tear

Pain accompanied by swelling is the first sign of an ACL tear. Swelling typically takes place within the first 24 hours of the injury. Attempted to return to sports will only create added instability and worsen the tear. Doing so may also damage the cartilage that cushions the knee, called the meniscus. Symptoms of an ACL injury, even one that may not be a complete tear, include a popping sensation or noise in the knee, immediate pain, severe swelling and redness, an inability to place too much weight on your knee, and a loss of range of motion.

ACL Tear Treatment Options

After an ACL tear has been confirmed by an X-ray or an MRI, treatment options can include modification of movements and the use of anti-inflammatory drugs. Activity level is also a consideration. Younger athletes or professional athletes, for instance, will likely need surgery to return to their pre-injury level of performance. For older adults or individuals who aren't excessively active, non-surgical treatments such as physical therapy and bracing may provide sufficient relief. Surgery for an ACL tear typically involves rebuilding the ligament.

The role of an orthopedic specialist is to fine-tune treatment options if you're dealing with a torn ACL. Whether or not surgery is recommended will depend on how active you are in your daily life. In many cases, surgery to repair a tear is necessary at some point, although the pain may be able to be managed sufficiently to indefinitely delay it.

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