ACL Tear

ACL Tear services offered in Rancho Mirage and Palm Springs, CA

Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries are among the most common knee injuries. Without prompt treatment from board-certified orthopedic surgeon Hansel E. Ihn, MD, in Rancho Mirage and Palm Springs, California, an ACL tear puts you at risk of long-lasting knee weakness and instability. Dr. Ihn offers personalized treatment, including non-surgical therapies and expert ACL reconstruction when needed. Schedule an ACL evaluation by calling the office or requesting an appointment online today.

ACL Tear Q & A

What is an ACL tear?

The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is one of four ligaments that stabilize the knee joints. This ligament controls shinbone movement (preventing it from sliding away from the thigh bone).

The ACL is also responsible for rotational stability, supporting the knee when your movement forces the shinbone and thighbone to move in opposite directions.

You can partially or completely tear the ACL when you:

Make a sudden stop
Slow down suddenly while running
Pivot or sidestep
Land a jump incorrectly
Quickly change direction
Overextend your knee
Take a direct blow to the knee

Your risk of an ACL tear is higher if you participate in high-demand sports, such as soccer, football, downhill skiing, and basketball.

What are the symptoms of an ACL tear?

The severity of your symptoms depends on the extent of the ACL tear and whether other structures in the knee were damaged. Nearly half of the people with an ACL tear also sustain injuries in the cartilage or other ligaments.

You may hear or feel a pop when the ACL tears. Other common symptoms include:

Pain and swelling
Knee joint instability
Knee buckling
Joint tenderness
Difficulty moving the knee

Pain and swelling may improve on their own. But even if these symptoms decrease, it doesn’t mean the ACL has healed. As a result, you may be tempted to stay active even though the knee is unstable. Returning to athletics before getting treatment can cause further damage to the joint.

How is an ACL tear treated?

Whenever possible, Dr. Ihn begins your treatment with conservative, non-surgical methods. Your care plan may include treatments such as activity limitations, temporary immobilization, a knee brace, and physical therapy.

However, the ACL doesn’t heal well because it lacks a good blood supply. As a result, treatment may require surgical reconstruction of the ligament to ensure you regain optimal strength and function. Even a mild ACL tear can cause knee instability without surgery.

Not everyone needs surgery; it depends on variables like the extent of the ACL damage, existing instability, and your future activity goals.

However, if you want to return to athletics or your job depends on strong knees for activities such as kneeling, heavy lifting, or prolonged standing, Dr. Ihn may recommend ligament reconstruction.

Don’t put your knee’s stability at risk. Seek expert medical care for an ACL tear by calling Hansel E. Ihn, MD, or requesting an appointment online today.