ACL Tear

What is an ACL tear?

The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is one of the key ligaments in your knee. It helps stabilize the joint, especially during activities that involve sudden stops or direction changes. When the ACL stretches or tears, it can cause pain, swelling, and instability in the knee.

ACL tears commonly occur during sports that involve jumping, cutting, or pivoting, such as basketball, soccer, football, and skiing. They can also happen in non-sports settings due to falls or a sudden twisting of the knee.

What are the symptoms of an ACL tear?

If you tear your ACL, you might hear a popping sound at the time of injury. Other common symptoms include:

• Immediate swelling in the knee
• Severe pain and difficulty walking
• A feeling that the knee is unstable or giving out
• Reduced range of motion

ACL tears are classified based on their severity:

• Grade 1 (Mild sprain): The ligament is stretched but not torn
• Grade 2 (Partial tear): The ligament is partially torn, leading to some instability
• Grade 3 (Complete tear): The ligament is fully torn, and the knee is highly unstable

ACL tear treatment depends on the severity of the tear, your activity level, and overall health. The Pioneer Peak Orthopedics team evaluates your injury using diagnostic imaging to determine the best course of action.

How are ACL tears treated?

Mild or partial ACL tears may heal with physical therapy and anti-inflammatory medications. Strengthening exercises help restore knee function, and a knee brace provides support while the ligament heals.

Complete ACL tears often require surgery, especially for athletes or active individuals. Arthroscopic ACL reconstruction is a minimally invasive procedure where the Pioneer Peak Orthopedics team replaces the torn ligament with a graft from another tendon.

They may use robotic-assisted surgery to improve precision in ACL repair, ensuring better outcomes. The robotic system is always under your surgeon’s control, acting as an advanced instrument that gives the surgeon’s hands superior dexterity and accuracy.

How long does it take to recover from an ACL tear?

Recovery from an ACL tear may take a few months with nonsurgical treatment. After surgery, most people regain full function in six to nine months with structured rehabilitation. However, returning to high-impact sports may take up to a year.

If you suspect an ACL tear, visit Pioneer Peak Orthopedics for a fast diagnosis and an effective treatment plan. Call, book an appointment online, or drop into the orthopedic walk-in clinic.