ACL Injuries

Learn the common causes and treatments of ACL injuries.

What Is an ACL Injury?

The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) provides stability to the knee and supports you while you play sports, grocery shop, or take a walk. Injuries to this ligament are common and can be the result of pivoting quickly, landing awkwardly, or stopping suddenly.¹ 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.¹

Minor ACL injuries may be treated without surgery, but if you have an ACL tear, you will most likely need surgery. ACL repair, a procedure that preserves and reattaches the torn ligament, might be the right option for you. If your ligament cannot be repaired, a minimally invasive ACL reconstruction will likely be necessary.

What Treatment Options Are Available?

A new innovative procedure repairs an ACL tear by reattaching the ligament back to the bone. For ACL tears that can be repaired, this minimally invasive option helps patients get back to activities and sports faster² with a more normal-feeling knee.^3,4

Historically, ACL tears have been treated primarily with reconstruction surgery. During this procedure, the damaged ligament is removed and tissue from another part of the knee or donor tissue is used to recreate the ACL.

ACL Repair

ACL Reconstruction

Tear Location Matters

Not all ACL tears can be repaired. Tear location plays a big role in determining ACL tear treatment, which includes reconstruction or repair. Other factors that determine if an ACL can be repaired include the quality of the remaining tissue, when the injury occurred, patient age, and activity level.

See Types of Tears

Learn About ACL Repair

Patient Stories

See All

College Basketball

Audrey's Story

Audrey Biggs planned to play collegiate basketball but was worried about reaching her goal after an ACL tear. An Arthrex biologic ACL reconstruction helped her return to the game and sign with the University of Pittsburgh.

College Football

Bryce's Story

When Bryce Foster, a Texas A&M football player, suffered an ACL tear, the All-American offensive lineman was determined to return to the field. After an Arthrex BTB ACL reconstruction, he’s back in the game and hoping to play for the NFL.

Motocross Racer

Trevor's Story

Professional motocross racer Trevor Bollinger was told his racing days were over after an injury during a race, but the Arthrex ACL quad tendon BioACL™ reconstruction procedure got him back on his bike.

Skier

Brett's Story

Brett Jones, a vice president at Arthrex, suffered a catastrophic knee injury while skiing. Thanks to minimally invasive Arthrex technology, Brett is ahead of the game in his recovery.

College Volleyball Player

Erin's Story

Erin Moss was set to play volleyball at Georgia Tech until she injured her knee. After the Arthrex minimally invasive quad tendon ACL reconstruction procedure, Erin had a successful collegiate volleyball career.

Olympic Skier

Veronika's Story

Skier Veronika Velez-Zuzulová tore her ACL 5 months before the 2018 Winter Olympics and worried she wouldn’t be able to compete until the Arthrex ACL repair procedure gave her hope.

Runner

Ellen's Story

When Ellen Bellino tore her ACL, the active runner thought she would be on a long road to recovery. With the help of the innovative Arthrex ACL primary repair procedure using the InternalBrace™ technique, Ellen is running again.

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Ready to talk to a doctor? Download this list of questions to ask as you explore your options for ACL surgery.