ACL injury

Department

ACL injury

Treatment for an ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) injury depends on several factors, including the severity of the injury, the patient’s activity level, and their overall health.

  1. Conservative Management: For partial tears or less severe injuries, non-surgical treatment may be recommended. This typically involves rest, physical therapy to strengthen the muscles around the knee, and bracing to provide stability and support. Activity modification and avoiding high-impact sports may also be advised.

  2. Surgery: Complete tears or significant injuries often require surgical intervention, especially for individuals who are young, active, or participate in sports that involve pivoting or jumping. ACL reconstruction surgery involves replacing the torn ligament with a graft, typically harvested from the patient’s own hamstring tendon, patellar tendon, or a cadaver graft. Arthroscopic techniques are commonly used, resulting in smaller incisions and faster recovery times.

  3. Rehabilitation: Rehabilitation is a crucial component of ACL injury treatment, whether or not surgery is performed. Physical therapy aims to restore strength, flexibility, balance, and range of motion in the knee joint. Rehabilitation typically begins shortly after injury or surgery and continues for several months to ensure optimal recovery and reduce the risk of future injuries.

  4. Return to Activity: Gradual return to sports or activities is typically guided by a physical therapist or sports medicine specialist, with a focus on proper technique, conditioning, and injury prevention strategies. It’s essential to follow the recommended rehabilitation protocol and not rush back to activities too soon to avoid re-injury.

he treatment approach for an ACL injury is individualized based on the patient’s specific circumstances and goals, with the aim of restoring knee function, stability, and returning to an active lifestyle.