There is much debate surrounding the treatment of a torn ACL, with some believing that surgery is always necessary and others asserting that it can be avoided in certain cases. The truth likely lies somewhere in the middle. While there are some instances where non-surgical treatment may be effective, such as when the tear is small or the patient is elderly, more often than not, surgery is required to repair a torn ACL.
Here, we will discuss the surgical and non-invasive treatments for an ACL tear.
Non-Surgical Treatments for a Torn ACL
If you have a torn ACL and nonsurgical treatment is an option for you, it must mean you’ve sustained only a partial tear, and your knee has maintained some stability. Your doctor will likely recommend the RICE (rest, ice, compression, and elevation) method and a course of physical therapy. Physical therapy exercises can help strengthen the muscles around the knee and improve range of motion. You may also be fitted with an ACL brace that limits movement at the knee joint, allowing it time to heal properly, as well as prevent knee buckling. For minor to moderate ACL tears, these methods can be effective in giving lasting relief and allowing for better functionality.
Surgical Treatment for a Torn ACL
The main reason why surgery is usually recommended for an ACL tear is that this type of injury typically results in instability in the knee joint. This means that without surgical intervention, the knee remains weak and at risk of further damage. While physiotherapy and other forms of rehabilitation can help strengthen the muscles around the knee joint, they cannot completely fix the instability caused by the torn ACL.
There are two main types of ACL surgery: open and arthroscopic. Open surgery involves making a large incision to access the knee joint. Arthroscopic surgery uses small incisions and a camera to see inside and operate on the knee joint.
Both types of ACL surgery involve repairing or replacing the torn ligament with a tendon from another part of the body, such as the hamstring or quadriceps muscle. The surgeon will also often make repairs to other parts of the knee, such as repairing damaged cartilage or removing loose fragments of bone or cartilage from around the knee joint.
Of course, deciding whether or not to have surgery for an ACL tear ultimately comes down to a personal decision discussed between you and your doctor. However, it’s important to remember that avoiding surgery may put you at risk for further injury down the road – so if your doctor does recommend surgery, it is most likely the best option for you.
ACL Tear Treatment in Bismarck, North Dakota
Dr. Joe Carlson is our board-certified and fellowship-trained knee surgeon at The Bone & Joint Center who specializes in knee arthroscopy, which is a highly advanced minimally invasive technique used to fix problems of the knee. He is also most experienced in treating sports injuries. Dr. Carlson sees patients of all ages and is frequently consulted for second opinions.
The Bone & Joint Center has several locations across North Dakota and offers physical therapy services for your complete rehabilitation. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Carlson, call our office today at (701) 946-7400 / (866) 900-8650 or use our convenient online request form.
