Orthopedic
Orthopedics focuses on the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of musculoskeletal conditions including bones, joints, muscles, ligaments, and tendons. Our orthopedic specialists offer fracture care, joint replacement, arthroscopic surgery, sports medicine, and spine surgery.
ACL Tear Treatment
About ACL Tear Treatment
The Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) is one of the key ligaments that stabilize the knee joint. It connects the thighbone (femur) to the shinbone (tibia) and controls forward movement and rotation of the shinbone. ACL injuries are among the most common knee injuries, especially in athletes involved in high-demand sports. Injuries can range from a mild sprain to a complete ligament tear.
Grades of ACL Injury
Grade 1 (Mild Sprain)
Ligament stretched but intact; knee remains stable.
Grade 2 (Partial Tear)
Ligament partially torn; mild instability may occur.
Grade 3 (Complete Tear)
Ligament completely torn; knee is unstable; usually requires surgery.
Symptoms of ACL Injury
- Loud "pop" or snapping at the time of injury
- Severe knee pain and inability to continue activity
- Rapid swelling within hours
- Loss of range of motion
- Feeling of instability or knee "giving way"
- Tenderness along the joint line
- Difficulty walking or bearing weight on the injured leg
Causes of ACL Injuries
- Sudden stops or changes in direction while running
- Pivoting with foot planted
- Landing awkwardly from a jump
- Direct blow or collision (less common)
- Hyperextension of the knee
- Non-contact injuries are most common in sports
Treatment Options & Benefits
- Arthroscopic surgery: minimally invasive, small incisions, faster recovery
- Patellar tendon graft (strong, gold standard)
- Hamstring tendon graft (less anterior knee pain)
- Quadriceps tendon graft (good for revisions)
- Allograft (no harvest site, faster surgery)
- Surgeon tailors graft type to patient needs
- Restores knee stability and function
- Enables return to sports and active lifestyle
Risk Factors
- High-risk sports: soccer, basketball, football, skiing, gymnastics
- Female athletes (2–8 times higher risk)
- Muscle imbalances or poor conditioning
- Previous ACL injury
- Narrow intercondylar notch (anatomical factor)
- Improper footwear or playing surface
- Neuromuscular control deficits
When to Consult a Doctor
Seek immediate medical care if your knee "pops" and gives out, severe pain or swelling occurs, you cannot bear weight on the leg, or the knee feels unstable. Early diagnosis through physical examination and MRI imaging is crucial. Treatment depends on injury severity and activity level, ranging from physical therapy for partial tears to surgical reconstruction for complete tears, especially in active individuals.