ACL Tear Treatment & ACL Reconstruction
Specialized care for ACL injuries to restore knee stability, improve function, and help you safely return to an active lifestyle.
Expert Evaluation and Personalized Treatment for ACL Injuries
An anterior cruciate ligament, or ACL, tear is one of the most common knee injuries, particularly among athletes and active individuals. Dr. Daniel Haber provides comprehensive evaluation and treatment for ACL injuries, helping patients restore knee stability, reduce pain, and safely return to the activities they enjoy.
What Is an ACL Tear?
The ACL is one of the major ligaments that helps stabilize the knee joint. It connects the thigh bone to the shin bone and plays an important role in controlling rotational movement and preventing the knee from giving way.
ACL injuries often occur during sudden stops, changes in direction, awkward landings, or direct impact to the knee. Tears may be partial or complete and can occur along with other knee injuries, including damage to the meniscus or cartilage.
Symptoms of an ACL Injury
Patients with an ACL tear may notice a popping sensation at the time of injury, followed by swelling, pain, and difficulty continuing activity. The knee may also feel unstable or as though it could buckle during walking, pivoting, or exercise.
Common symptoms include knee swelling, reduced range of motion, tenderness, difficulty bearing weight, and a feeling of instability during movement.
Diagnosing an ACL Tear
A proper diagnosis begins with a physical examination and a detailed discussion of how the injury occurred. Dr. Haber will evaluate knee stability, movement, swelling, and other signs of ligament damage.
Imaging such as X-rays or an MRI may also be recommended to confirm the diagnosis and determine whether other structures within the knee have been injured.
ACL Tear Treatment Options
Treatment depends on the severity of the tear, the patient's activity level, overall knee stability, and individual goals.
Some patients with partial tears or lower activity demands may benefit from nonsurgical treatment, including activity modification, bracing, anti-inflammatory treatment, and physical therapy designed to strengthen the muscles surrounding the knee.
For active patients, athletes, or individuals with significant knee instability, ACL reconstruction surgery may be recommended. The goal of surgery is to restore stability to the knee and help patients safely return to sports, exercise, work, and everyday activities.
ACL Reconstruction Surgery
ACL reconstruction typically involves replacing the damaged ligament with a graft that allows a new ligament to develop over time. Dr. Haber will discuss the appropriate surgical approach based on the patient's injury, anatomy, activity level, and long-term goals.
Following surgery, a structured rehabilitation program plays an important role in restoring motion, strength, balance, and knee stability.
Returning to Activity After an ACL Injury
Recovery is different for every patient. Returning to sports or strenuous activity is based on more than a specific amount of time after treatment. Strength, stability, range of motion, coordination, and overall knee function all need to be considered.
Dr. Haber works with patients throughout the recovery process to help them progress safely and reduce the risk of reinjury.
Frequently Asked Questions
Some partial ACL injuries can be successfully managed without surgery, particularly when the knee remains stable and the patient does not participate in high-demand pivoting activities. Complete tears are less likely to regain normal stability without reconstruction.
A popping sensation, rapid swelling, pain, and knee instability are common signs. A physical examination and MRI are often used to confirm the diagnosis.
No. Treatment depends on the severity of the injury, knee stability, activity level, age, and personal goals.
Recovery varies depending on the injury and treatment. After ACL reconstruction, rehabilitation generally takes several months, and return to sports may take longer depending on strength and functional testing.
Many patients are able to return to sports following successful ACL reconstruction and rehabilitation. The timing depends on healing, strength, stability, and the demands of the patient's particular sport.
ACL Tear Treatment & ACL Reconstruction
Specialized care for ACL injuries to restore knee stability, improve function, and help you safely return to an active lifestyle.
