Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) Tear

What Is an Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) Tear?

An ACL tear is a common knee injury that occurs when the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), one of the key ligaments stabilizing the knee joint, is overstretched or torn. This injury is frequent in sports that involve sudden stops, jumps, or changes in direction, such as soccer, basketball, and skiing.

Causes:

Sudden pivoting or changing direction
Landing incorrectly from a jump
Stopping abruptly while running
Direct impact to the knee (e.g., during a tackle)

Symptoms:

A popping sound at the time of injury
Severe knee pain and swelling
Loss of range of motion
Knee instability (feeling like the knee may "give out")

Diagnosis:

Physical examination (Lachman test, pivot shift test)
MRI scan to confirm ligament damage

Treatment Options:

Non-surgical: Physical therapy and bracing (for partial tears or non-athletes)
Surgical: ACL reconstruction using a graft (for severe tears or active individuals)

Prevention Tips:

Strength training for leg muscles
Proper warm-up before activities
Using correct landing techniques when jumping

FAQ: Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) Tear

Vibhavadi Hospital has compiled common questions related to ACL tears as follows:

Can an ACL tear heal without surgery?
Yes, but for those who want to regain full knee function, surgery is recommended. ACL reconstruction is a minimally invasive procedure that causes less pain than major surgery and requires a shorter recovery period.

Can an ACL tear heal on its own?
No, an ACL tear cannot heal on its own. Since the ligament is completely torn, surgery is the only way to restore it.

Can I return to sports after ACL surgery?
Yes, you can resume sports activities approximately one year after ACL reconstruction. However, recovery time may vary depending on individual healing and rehabilitation progress.

Can you still walk with an ACL tear?
Yes, but you may experience knee pain. If knee instability (knee dislocation) occurs along with the ACL tear, surgery is the best option for treatment.

How long does it take to recover from an ACL tear?
Recovery from an ACL tear typically takes about one month with the use of crutches and a knee brace. After surgery, most patients can walk faster within three months, but complete recovery depends on individual health conditions.