While surgery is often the best option for treating a torn ACL, some people may be able to manage the injury with the help of a knee brace. There are a variety of different knee braces available on the market, so it can be difficult to know which one is right for you.
Full Answer
What is the treatment for a torn ACL in the middle-aged?
Surgical treatment of a torn ACL in someone in their middle-aged years is similar to the treatment in a younger population. Options for surgical treatment are similar, including options for choosing the type of graft used to reconstruct the torn ACL.
Is there an ACL tear treatment without surgery?
If you or a loved one has sustained an ACL injury know that there are effective ACL tear treatments without surgery. Your own stem cells, when precisely injected into the area of damage, can promote an increase in blood flow and healing. Surgery has significant risks and complications, particularly in young athletes.
Is ACL surgery in young children a good idea?
The critical point here is that ACL surgery in young children is a significant injury, and good communication between the athlete, parents, and surgeon is critical to thoroughly explain all of the pros and cons of surgery in these growing athletes. I want to help you!
Is an ACL tear over the age of 40 the same?
However, with individuals continuing athletic activities into their 40s, 50s, and even later in life, the same injuries are occurring more and more in an older population. The question comes up as to whether or not an ACL tear in someone over the age of 40 is the same as someone who is in high school or college-aged? Are the treatments the same?
What age is ACL surgery recommended?
The results of ACL reconstruction in people older than 40 years old have generally been favorable. When compared to people who chose nonsurgical treatment, those who have had their ACL reconstruction surgically were found to perform more athletic activity and had less ongoing knee discomfort.
What is the most common treatment for a torn ACL?
TreatmentRest. General rest is necessary for healing and limits weight bearing on your knee.Ice. When you're awake, try to ice your knee at least every two hours for 20 minutes at a time.Compression. Wrap an elastic bandage or compression wrap around your knee.Elevation.
What is the treatment plan for a torn ACL?
There are two treatment options for ACL injury: Nonsurgical treatment such as a brace to protect from instability and physical therapy to strengthen the surrounding ligaments to provide greater stability. Surgical reconstruction of the ACL to restore the internal structures of the knee to enable maximal stability.
Can a torn ACL be fixed without surgery?
Very minor tears (sprains) may heal with non-surgical treatments and regenerative medicine therapy. But full ACL tears cannot be healed without surgery. If your activities do not involve making pivoting movements on the knee, physical therapy rehabilitation may be all you need.
Do all ACL tears require surgery?
ACL injuries can either be complete or partial. While complete ACL tears almost always require surgery, partial ACL tears may be treated effectively with nonsurgical methods. ACL tears are graded by severity and are called sprains (a sprain is a stretch or tear in a ligament).
Is ACL surgery recommended?
Surgery is generally recommended for people with recurring ACL injuries and high level athletes who plan on returning to their sport of choice. The AAOS recommends non-surgical treatment for patients who have a lower activity level or more minor ACL injuries.
Can a torn ACL heal with physical therapy?
An ACL tear won't heal on its own, and while some people can live with the injury, most people have surgery to repair the damage. Either way, you'll need physical therapy to help you regain strength, range of motion and stability.”
How long does an ACL tear take to heal without surgery?
Non-surgical Treatment The time it takes to recover is approximately 3 months.
What happens if you don't repair a torn ACL?
Long-term knee instability If you wait too long to treat a torn ACL, you're at risk of developing chronic knee pain and knee instability. Waiting to get treatment may mean that surgery is your only option. Or you may need to cope with ongoing instability by modifying your activities and giving up intensive sports.
Can I run with a torn ACL?
If you are wondering, "Can I run again with an ACL tear?" Rest assured, running with an ACL tear is possible if the knee is stable and has proper strengthening to allow the muscle to support the knee.
Can you grow after ACL surgery?
Historically, children with a torn ACL were encouraged to wait until they finished growing before having ACL surgery. That's because the procedure can disturb growth plates -- areas of developing cartilage near the ends of long bones -- and potentially affect growth.
Will my knee ever be the same after ACL surgery?
In some patients, their knee is not the same. In some patients, ten years later their knee is not the same. Some people do very well with ACL reconstruction surgery, some do very well with second or revision ACL surgery. Some do well with the third ACL reconstruction/revision surgery.
What is the ACL?
The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is one of four major ligaments in the knee joint. It helps maintain the knee's rotational stability and preven...
Who tears their ACL?
People of all ages, physical condition and abilities can tear an ACL. Active women experience a higher incidence of ACL injuries then men because t...
How do you tear your ACL?
A partial or complete ACL tear (rupture) often occurs during a sudden twisting movement, in which a person stops quickly and changes direction, esp...
Symptoms: What happens when the ACL is torn?
Common symptoms of a torn ACL include: popping sound at the time of injury, pain, swelling, knee instability.
What should I do if I think I have torn my ACL?
Immediately after an ACL injury, it is important to: stay off the leg and elevate it, decrease the inflammation in the knee by applying ice and tak...
How is a torn ACL diagnosed?
A doctor can usually diagnose a torn ACL from a physical exam, although magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is helpful. Getting an MRI is also importa...
When is ACL surgery necessary?
The choice to have surgery is usually based on the patient's lifestyle. In athletes and other people of any age who wish to continue doing physical...
What is the ACL tear?
Torn ACL. A complex set of tendons and ligaments help stabilize and support the knee joint with its every movement, from a simple walking step to an ice skater’s leap. Unfortunately, these tissues are vulnerable to injury. In particular, tears of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) are quite common among athletes and active individuals of all ages.
What sports have ACL tears?
It is especially common in sports with a lot of leg planting, cutting and pivoting, such as soccer, basketball, skiing and football. Surgery is often required to repair an ACL tear.
What is the most common knee injury in football?
ACL injuries are the most common major knee injury that occurs in football. These injuries generally require surgery to allow the patient to return to. The post ACL Injuries in Football Players: Causes, Treatment, Prevention appeared first on HSS Playbook Blog. ACL Injuries in Football Players: Causes, Treatment, Prevention.
What causes a partial ACL tear?
A partial or complete ACL tear (rupture) often occurs during a sudden twisting movement, in which a person stops quickly and changes direction, especially while pivoting or landing after a jump. A sudden, high-energy impact to the knee can also cause the ACL to tear.
What does it feel like to have a popping sound when you tear your ACL?
popping sound at the time of injury. pain. swelling. knee instability. When a person tears their ACL, they often report hearing a popping sound at the moment that the tear occurs. The knee will quickly swell and, in many cases, feel unstable. However, in some less severe tears, these symptoms may be mild.
Why do women have higher incidence of ACL injuries than men?
Active women experience a higher incidence of ACL injuries than men because their biomechanics tend to put more stress on their knees. ACL injuries are also common in children, especially as youth sports become increasingly competitive.
Why is the ACL so important?
It helps maintain the knee's rotational stability and prevents the tibia (shinbone) from slipping in front of the femur (thighbone). The ACL is particularly vulnerable to injury during athletic activity or as the result of impact, and a torn ACL is a common injury in athletes of all levels. It is especially common in sports with a lot ...
How to tell if you tore your ACL?
The ACL is a key stabilizer in the knee. It is susceptible to injury due to direct contact, indirect contact, and other causes. How to tell if you tore your ACL? The signs and symptoms of an ACL tear include a loud pop, severe pain, rapid swelling, instability, and difficulty with walking or standing. MRI is the best study to diagnose an ACL injury. Surgery is not the best option as it has multiple complications which include re-tears, knee instability, diminished performance, and risk for arthritis. A novel non-surgical procedure called Perc-ACLR (percutaneous ACL reconstruction) uses a patient’s own bone marrow-derived stem cells to repair ACL injuries. Two peer-reviewed studies have demonstrated its success in allowing patients to avoid the risks of surgery and viral contamination. KG is a 14 y/o soccer enthusiast who torn her ACL and successfully used the own stem cells to heal the ACL tear. The Perc-ACLR allowed KG to avoid the risk and long-term complications associated with ACL surgery. She has returned to soccer practice eager to compete in the spring.
Where is ACL surgery performed?
ACL surgery is a major surgery that is performed at a hospital or ambulatory surgery center. A general anesthetic or spinal block is performed along with sedation. There are multiple possible complications associated with ACL surgery. The most common include.
How does a retracted ACL tear work?
The single ACL ligament is ripped apart with two ends that are no longer connected. A full-thickness, retracted ACL tear requires surgery.
What is the ACL in the knee?
Lateral Collateral Ligament (LCL) The Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) extends from the thigh bone (femur) to the shin bone (tibia) and limits forward and rotational movement of the knee. It is a key stabilizer in the knee. It is composed of two separate ligament bundles which include the anterior medial and the posterior lateral.
What does the purple arrow on the left of the ACL mean?
The ACL is outlined with the blue dashed line. The purple arrow on the left identifies the tear in the ACL. The same ACL tear is healed on the right using her own stem cells! The procedure is technically challenging and can not be performed by your PCP or orthopedic surgeon.
What is ACL graft?
It is a tissue taken from one site that is used in a different site in the body. The grafts themselves are not ligaments but rather are tendons taken from other areas of the body. There a 4 different types of grafts used in ACL surgery (3). They include:
What happens if you leave your ACL untreated?
If left untreated an ACL can progress leading to meniscus and cartilage damage. Act now so you or your aspiring national superstar can get back on the field.
How old do you have to be to have an ACL reconstruction?
The results of ACL reconstruction in people older than 40 years old have generally been favorable. When compared to people who chose nonsurgical treatment, those who have had their ACL reconstruction surgically were found to perform more athletic activity and had less ongoing knee discomfort.
What is ACL injury?
Injury to the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is a common sports-related injury that we often talk about in young, athletic people. However, with individuals continuing athletic activities into their 40s, 50s, and even later in life, the same injuries are occurring more and more in an older population. The question comes up as to whether ...
What are the symptoms of ACL tear?
Injuries can also occur as a result of falls, work accidents, and motor vehicle collisions. Typical symptoms of an ACL tear include: 2 . Pain in the affected knee.
What is the best test to evaluate ACL?
The best test to evaluate the ACL is typically an MRI. In addition, X-rays are recommended as people who are over the age of 40 can often have associated arthritis, which may impact treatment decisions.
Does the number of stem cells in the ACL decrease over time?
The number of stem cells within the ACL decreases over time and the cellular activity within the ligament begins to diminish. 1 . All of these characteristics are normal, but they do lead to important changes within the ligament.
Is ACL treatment well studied?
ACL treatment has been well-studied in the young, athletic population. Treatments have been carefully evaluated in high school and college-aged athletes. However, there is little data to guide the treatment of people who are in their 40s, 50s, and beyond.
Do all ACL tears require the same treatment?
Not all ACL tears require the same treatment, and not all people who sustain an ACL tear will have the same symptoms. For these reasons, there may be options when it comes to determining the best treatment for you. One way to think about ACL tears and the right treatment is the so-called "rule of thirds.".
How to repair a torn ACL?
Whether or not a doctor recommends surgery to repair a torn ACL depends on many factors, such as: 1 Age. While there is no age cut-off for surgical intervention, it is rarely performed on individuals over age 55. 2 Activity level. Surgical reconstruction may also benefit young people and those who participate in occupations or sports that involve jumping, pivoting, cutting, or rapid deceleration. 3 Associated injuries. Patients with multiple knee injuries (ACL plus meniscus, fracture, or medial collateral ligament) generally benefit from surgery to prevent significant activity restrictions and minimize the risk of developing knee osteoarthritis.
Which tendon is most likely to heal quickly?
The patellar tendon is known to heal quickly, which makes it a popular choice for a graft. Hamstring tendon. Autografts using the patient’s hamstring have become increasingly more common. They have shown decreased post-operative knee pain and easier surgical recovery compared to patellar tendon grafts. 4.
Why do people with multiple knee injuries need surgery?
Patients with multiple knee injuries (ACL plus meniscus, fracture, or medial collateral ligament) generally benefit from surgery to prevent significant activity restrictions and minimize the risk of developing knee osteoarthritis. An ACL tear increases the risk of developing knee osteoarthritis.
How long does it take to recover from knee surgery?
Some research indicates that it may take more than 6 months to regain symmetrical knee functionality. 6 In general, an athlete can return to his or her sport between 9 and 12 months following surgery. The orthopedic surgeon will determine when it is safe to return to athletic activities.
What age can you get surgery?
Age. While there is no age cut-off for surgical intervention, it is rarely performed on individuals over age 55. Activity level. Surgical reconstruction may also benefit young people and those who participate in occupations or sports that involve jumping, pivoting, cutting, or rapid deceleration. Associated injuries.
Can you move your knee after ACL surgery?
Generally, ACL surgery does not require an overnight stay in the hospital. Most people can move the knee immediately following surgery. Within a few days, post-operative rehabilitation may begin. Rehabilitation is essential to:
Can you stitch an ACL back together?
ACL surgery typically involves reconstructing the ligament using a graft. Reconstruction is often recommended because most injured ACLs cannot be stitched back together (repaired) due to the surrounding environment.
Why is the ACL important?
As such, the ACL is essential in making sure the knee joint remains stable. Many different scenarios may cause an ACL injury. For instance, it can happen as a result of landing on a bent knee from jumping up high or landing on an over-extended knee.
What is the best knee brace for ACL?
If you’re looking for the best knee brace for ACL injury, then you should consider the DonJoy Legend brace. This one is made of aluminum and it’s coated with Kratom. It features a 4-point leverage system for added flexibility and ease of movement.
Why is my ACL sore?
There are lots of high impact sports and activities that can cause a tear in your ACL. The result is usually painful swelling followed by an inability to remain stable. That’s why it’s important to use a well-fitting knee brace that provides you with the support you need.
What does ACL mean in sports?
The ACL stands for Anterior Cruciate Ligament, and it’s a tear in a knee muscle that causes the ligament to completely change the way it turns and its general direction. ACL tears happen a lot in professional sports; in the knee joint which connects the shin bone to the thigh bone.
What to look for when buying a knee brace?
Discretion is another important feature to look out for when shopping for a knee brace. Your doctor might recommend that you keep the area open instead of covering it with your clothes.
Can knee braces help with tendonitis?
This knee brace is perfect to wear if you have a torn ACL, LCL, MCL, meniscus tear and even tendonitis. However, it might be a good idea to apply some type of topical pain relief over the affected area before you put this brace on. Pros.
Does the PentagonFit Plus size compression knee sleeve help with torn ACL?
The sleeve won’t limit your knee’s range of motion at all. It’s the perfect ally against a torn ACL: The PentagonFit Plus Size Compression Knee Sleeve will help you reduce swelling, minimize pain, and help you on your road to recovery on every step of the way. And don’t worry.
When did athletes rarely return to sports after ACL surgery?
Before the mid-1980s, athletes rarely returned to sports after suffering an ACL injury. In my new book, That’s Gotta Hurt: The Injuries That Changed Sports Forever, I explain how revolutions in the surgery and rehab changed the lives and careers of athletes with these injuries.
How old were the patients at the time of arthroplasty?
All were over 60 years old, and they averaged 61 years of age at the time of surgery. They followed the patients for over four years. None of the patients exhibited arthritis changes on x-rays before surgery.
Who are the athletes in the book The Injuries That Changed Sports Forever?
Through the stories of a dozen athletes whose injuries and recovery advanced the field (including Joan Benoit, Michael Jordan, Brandi Chastain, and Tommy John), Dr. Geier explains how sports medicine makes sports safer for the pros, amateurs, student-athletes, and weekend warriors alike. Get the Book.
Can you have ACL surgery in your 60s?
This study shows that ACL surgery can benefit active people, even in their 60s. If you want to continue to play sports or exercise regularly, you should discuss with your orthopedic surgeon whether you would benefit from the surgery and remain active.
ACL reconstruction: Is surgery the appropriate treatment in young kids?
Recently I’ve performed ACL surgery on 11- and 12-year-old kids. Whether or not to perform an ACL surgery on an athlete who is still growing has been the subject of debate for a long time, and I think it might be helpful to discuss the risks and benefits in a post here. As I’ve discussed in previous posts, ACL injuries are very common.
Risk of growth arrest
In the past, many surgeons tended to err on the side of caution. If a young child who had not gone through puberty was diagnosed with an ACL tear, it was often advised that the patient not have surgery for several years until he or she was finished with the growth spurt.
Risk of avoiding ACL surgery
In general, I tend to err on the side of early surgery and trying to provide a stable knee for the child. I think it’s often unrealistic to expect a child to be able to stop playing sports or performing athletic activities, even exercise or sports at home.
ACL reconstruction techniques in kids
I typically advocate surgery as it’s done in adults, meaning placing the graft in a way that recreates the anatomy of the normal ACL as much as possible while still trying to protect the growth plates.