The Region’s Best ACL Injury Treatment Is Here
The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is one of four ligaments in the knee joint that holds the bones together and provides stability. It runs diagonally through the middle of the knee. The ACL prevents the tibia (shinbone) from sliding out in front of the femur (thighbone) and provides rotational stability. ACL injuries are the most common ligament injury in the knee, with about 100,000-200,000 occurrences in the United States per year.
Although most common in athletes and physically active people, anyone can experience an ACL injury. EmergeOrtho’s board-certified, fellowship-trained physicians are leading experts in the diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of ACL injuries. Our patient-centered approach to care, coupled with our dedication to practicing the most advanced medical techniques, makes us one of the top orthopedic centers in the nation.
Common Causes of ACL Injuries
Most ACL injuries are sustained during athletic activities that involve:
- Rapid change in direction
- Decrease in speed while running
- Sudden stops
- Incorrect landing from a jump
Common Symptoms of ACL Injuries
Symptoms vary from patient to patient, but generally, those with an ACL injury will experience:
- An immediate “pop” sensation that they can hear and/or feel
- Knee swelling that develops quickly after the injury
- Pain with varying intensity
- Knee instability
- Loss of full range of motion
- Discomfort with movement
- Joint tenderness
ACL Injury Diagnosis and Treatment
After an evaluation with your doctor that includes a physical exam and typically an MRI, your ACL injury will likely be classified as one of the following:
- Grade One Sprain
A mildly damaged ACL that has been slightly stretched. - Grade Two Sprain
A partial tear, where the ACL has been stretched to the point of becoming loose, or some fibers of the ligament have been damaged. - Grade Three Sprain
A complete tear, where the ACL has been completely disrupted
Most ACL Injuries are complete tears (Grade III), but occasionally, partial tears (Grade I, II) occur.
A tailor-made treatment plan will be developed based on your injury and physical demands.
EmergeOrtho always considers conservative, nonsurgical treatments before proposing surgical intervention. Sometimes, minor ACL injuries can be successfully treated with immobilization in a brace and/or a physical therapy program.
More severe cases, however, will require ACL arthroscopic reconstruction surgery. Arthroscopic procedures are minimally invasive, and utilize special, miniature instruments to carry out the process. During ACL reconstruction surgery, a tissue graft is harvested from you (or a cadaver, if needed) and used to replace the torn ligament. Fully healing from this procedure can take nine months or longer, so it will be some time before you are allowed to return to rigorous activities/sports.
In order to increase the chances of a successful recovery, rehabilitation instructions provided by your doctor should be followed carefully and accurately.
CHOOSE EMERGEORTHO FOR YOUR ACL INJURY TREATMENT
No matter your needs, EmergeOrtho is dedicated to providing you with optimal care that will help you return to the activities you love and Emerge Stronger. Healthier. Better. To schedule an appointment at one of our locations, click here.