ACL Tears
What is an ACL Tears?
The Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) is one of the major ligaments in the knee that provides stability, particularly during activities involving cutting, pivoting, and jumping. An ACL tear refers to a tear or complete separation of this ligament. It is a common injury, especially among athletes participating in sports that involve sudden stops, changes in direction, or direct blows to the knee.
- Sports Injuries: Non-contact injuries, such as sudden stops or changes in direction, are common causes of ACL tears in athletes. Sports like soccer, basketball, football, and skiing pose a higher risk.
- Direct Impact: A direct impact to the knee, such as a tackle or collision in contact sports, can also cause ACL tear.
- Trauma: ACL injuries can also occur due to traumatic incidents, such as falls or accidents.
- Audible “Pop”: Many individuals report hearing or feeling a popping sensation in the knee at the time of injury.
- Swelling: Rapid swelling of the knee joint usually occurs within a few hours of the injury.
- Instability: The knee may feel unstable or give out during weight-bearing activities.
- Limited Range of Motion: Difficulty fully extending or flexing the knee may be experienced.
Diagnosing an ACL tear typically involves a thorough physical examination by an orthopedic surgeon like board-certified, fellowship-trained knee surgeon Dr. Christian Cruz, along with imaging tests such as MRI scans. These helps determine the extent of the injury and identify any associated damage to other structures in the knee.
- Conservative Management: Not all ACL tears require surgery, especially if the individual is not highly active or does not engage in activities that stress the knee. Conservative management may involve rest, physical therapy, bracing, and activity modification to strengthen the surrounding muscles and stabilize the knee.
- Surgical Intervention: For individuals who desire to return to high-demand activities or experience persistent instability despite conservative measures, surgical reconstruction of the ACL may be recommended. During this procedure, the torn ligament is replaced with a graft (often taken from the patient’s own tissue or from a donor).
Recovery from an ACL tear varies depending on the severity of the injury and the chosen treatment approach. Following surgery, a comprehensive rehabilitation program is crucial to regain strength, flexibility, and stability in the knee. This typically involves a combination of physical therapy exercises, gradual return to activities, and ongoing monitoring by the medical team.
Why choose Dr. Christian Cruz?
If you or a loved one is dealing with an ACL injury, consider scheduling a consultation with Dr. Christian Cruz, a highly regarded knee surgeon in Alexandria, Arlington, and Lanham. Dr. Cruz specializes in diagnosing and treating ACL injuries, offering expert care to get you back to your active lifestyle. Contact our office today to receive comprehensive orthopedic care from a trusted professional.
At a Glance
Dr. Christian Cruz
- Fellowship trained in Sports Medicine and Shoulder Surgery
- Expertise in complex knee and shoulder reconstruction
- Assistant Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery at Uniformed Services University School of Health Sciences
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