Injuries to the ACL are common and can be the result of pivoting quickly, landing awkwardly, or stopping suddenly.3If you tear your ACL, you most likely need surgery. Tear location, age, activity level, and other factors determine the type of treatment needed.
Important things to know about ACL injuries:
The quicker you see a doctor, the more potential treatment options you will have. If diagnosed with an ACL tear, your doctor will use many factors to customize a treatment plan, including your age, activity level, post-op goals, tear location, etc.
Injuries to the ACL are common and can be the result of pivoting quickly, landing awkwardly, or stopping suddenly.3If you tear your ACL, you most likely need surgery. Tear location, age, activity level, and other factors determine the type of treatment needed.
Important things to know about ACL injuries:
The quicker you see a doctor, the more potential treatment options you will have. If diagnosed with an ACL tear, your doctor will use many factors to customize a treatment plan, including your age, activity level, post-op goals, tear location, etc.
Surgical treatment for ACL injuries includes minimally invasive ACL repair and reconstruction. Depending on your specific situation, your doctor will recommend either an ACL repair or ACL reconstruction, and may also suggest supporting procedures designed to help with healing and reduce the risk of reinjury.
For Adult Patients
There are two surgical options for treating a torn ACL: repair and reconstruction.
During ACL repair, the ligament is reattached to the bone. However, only certain types of ACL tears can be repaired. In addition to tear location on the ACL, your time between injury and treatment is a big factor in whether your ACL can be repaired.4
In ACL reconstruction, the damaged ligament is removed from your knee and replaced with a graft, either from your own body (autograft) or from a donor (allograft). There are several types of grafts to choose from, based on your needs.
Arthrex ACL reconstruction uses an "all-inside" technique that is less invasive than other reconstruction options because fewer tunnels are drilled into your knee.
Additionally, your doctor may incorporate other options to augment your ACL procedure, such as the InternalBrace™ technique.
For Pediatric Patients (10 Years of Age and Above)
ACL tears are an epidemic among young athletes,1 but there are special considerations in treating this injury in children.
When performing an Arthrex ACL reconstruction for your child, their doctor will use instruments specially sized and designed for young patients with smaller anatomy. Based on your child's individual needs, they may also recommend supporting procedures, such as the InternalBrace™ technique, to provide support during healing.
The ACL stabilizes your knee while you play sports, run errands, or go for a walk. ACL injuries are common and can occur by pivoting quickly, landing awkwardly, or stopping suddenly.3 Most ACL injuries require surgery. If you feel a popping sensation in your knee, experience swelling, have no range of motion, and/or are in severe pain, you may have an ACL injury.
What are the symptoms of an ACL tear?
Common symptoms of an ACL tear include pain, swelling, trouble moving your knee as you used to, and putting weight on it. You may also hear a pop or feel a popping sensation in your knee.3
What treatment options are available?
Your doctor will determine the best treatment for you based on the tear location and other factors. ACL repair, a procedure that reattaches the torn ligament to the femur bone, may be the right treatment. If ACL repair is not possible, your surgeon will likely perform an ACL reconstruction, which removes the damaged ligament and replaces it with a graft.
Can my child get ACL surgery?
When the ACL tears, it cannot repair itself and will likely require surgery. Your child’s surgeon will determine the best treatment option based on their specific needs; however, it is important that the growth plates located on either side of the knee are not impacted. Arthrex ACL reconstruction is performed using implants and instruments specifically indicated for children who are still growing. These special instruments help avoid negative impacts on the knee's growth plates.16
When can I return to work or school after ACL surgery?
Several factors determine when you can return to work, including your profession, your work environment, and how you feel after your procedure. Your surgeon will recommend a timeline specific to your needs and recovery process.
When can I return to sport or activity after ACL surgery?
Typically, recovery time is shorter for ACL repair patients.5 A longer recovery period may reduce the risk of reinjury.3