ACL Tear &  Reconstruction Treatment

What Does ACL Tear & Reconstruction Treatment Involve?

An ACL tear is a common knee ligament injury that affects the anterior cruciate ligament. ACL tears are often caused by sports injuries but can also occur due to falls or other high-impact accidents. Mild ACL injuries may heal on their own, while more severe partial or complete tears frequently require surgical reconstruction.

Anatomy Of The ACL (Anterior Cruciate Ligament)

The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is a thick band of tissue that crosses the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) inside the knee to connect the thigh bone (femur) to the shin bone (tibia) and provide stability to the joint. When the knee is forced beyond its normal limits, an ACL tear may occur.

Common Symptoms Of An ACL Tear

Common symptoms of an ACL tear include the following:

• A popping noise or sensation at the time of injury
• Pain and swelling in the knee joint
• Difficulty bearing weight on the affected knee joint
• Loss of flexibility/range of motion
• Weakness and instability in the knee joint

Diagnostic Tests For ACL Tears

An ACL tear can often be diagnosed based on the symptoms the patient describes in combination with a thorough physical examination. Diagnostic imaging tests are also frequently ordered to better visualize the affected area and check for damage to other nearby ligaments and structures. These may include X-rays, CT scans, and/or MRI.

Preparing For Treatment

If you are a candidate for surgical ACL reconstruction, it’s critical to remember that a successful recovery process involves proper preparation before surgery (pre-habilitation) as well as rehabilitation after.  The experienced team at Modern Orthopaedics of New Jersey will work closely with you to develop a personalized treatment plan that ensures you’ll go into ACL surgery with reduced swelling, strong quadriceps and hamstrings, and the ability to fully extend the injured leg.  

Results And Recovery Time

More than 125,000 ACL reconstructions are performed every year in the U.S., making it one of the most common orthopedic surgeries.  Success rates range from approximately 80-97%, depending on a wide variety of factors including the severity of the injury, the type of reconstruction performed, the age and health of the patient, and the consistency of post-surgical rehabilitation routines.  

While every case is unique, patients who have undergone an ACL reconstruction can usually expect to walk without crutches between 1-3 weeks after surgery and return to higher impact activities gradually over the course of the next 6 months.  Complete recovery after ACL reconstruction takes between 6-12 months, and sometimes longer.  

Consultation With A New Jersey-Based Orthopedic Specialist

At Modern Orthopaedics of New Jersey, our award-winning specialists are dedicated to helping you move forward on your path to complete and lasting recovery. Contact our clinic today to schedule an initial consultation for knee pain!

Frequently Asked Questions