ACL Tear

What is the ACL?

The ACL, or the anterior cruciate ligament, is one of the major ligaments in the knee. The ACL connects the thigh bone to the shinbone and helps stabilize the knee joint. When the ligament is injured, the knee cannot properly support your weight. 

What is an ACL tear?

An ACL tear is a partial or complete tear of the anterior cruciate ligament. ACL tears most  often occur during sports and fitness activities like basketball, soccer, gymnastics, and football. 

Most ACL tears are caused by:

• Sudden stopping or slowing down
• Sudden change in direction
• Awkwardly landing a jump
• Collision to the knee

ACL tears vary depending on the severity of the torn ligament. Symptoms of an ACL tear include:

• Inability to continue activity
• Difficulty putting weight on knee
• Sudden, rapid swelling
• A loud popping sound or sensation
• Severe pain
• Loss of mobility

If you experience a torn ACL, you require prompt care to determine the status of your injury. Dr. Weber provides individualized treatment plans designed to maximize your comfort and address the specific needs of your condition.

How is an ACL tear treated?

ACL injuries cause a sudden loss of strength and stability in the knee. The knee is a complex structure that requires specialist care. Depending on the severity of your injury, Dr. Weber may recommend:

Physical therapy

If you engage in moderate physical activity, rehabilitative therapy is used to effectively reduce pain and swelling and restore strength and a full range of motion to your knee. 

You may also need a brace to stabilize the knee or crutches to avoid putting weight on the injury. Physical therapy helps you slowly strengthen the knee and regain proper function. 

Dr. Weber can coordinate your rehabilitative therapy to ensure a timely and successful recovery. 

ACL surgery 

Surgery is most appropriate for highly active patients and those with severe ACL tears. To perform ACL surgery, Dr. Weber removes the damaged ligament and replaces it with a tissue graft sourced from another part of your knee or a donor. The tissue graft relieves the symptoms of the injury and restores normal function. 

Rehabilitative therapy is also recommended after surgery to rebuild strength and stability and ensure proper healing.

Dr. Weber uses the latest treatments to provide effective outcomes for patients with ACL tears. To find out which treatment option is the best for your ACL tear, call Alexander E Weber, MD, or schedule an appointment online today.