ACL Injury Treatment Options

Treatment for ACL injuries can be either conservative or surgical, depending on the severity of the injury and the patient’s goals.

• Non-Surgical Treatment: For individuals with mild ACL sprains or partial tears who do not engage in high-risk activities, conservative management may be sufficient. This typically involves physical therapy to strengthen the muscles around the knee, improve balance, and restore range of motion. Bracing may be used for additional support during recovery.
• Surgical Treatment: For individuals with complete ACL tears, or those who plan to return to pivoting or high-risk sports, surgical reconstruction is often necessary. The surgery, called knee arthroscopy, involves replacing the damaged ACL with a tendon graft. The graft can come from the patient’s own body (autograft) or a donor (allograft). The bone-patellar tendon-bone (BTB) autograft is a widely used technique with a high success rate, though other options, such as hamstring or quadriceps tendon grafts, are also available.

Recovery from ACL Surgery

Recovery from ACL reconstruction surgery typically takes 6 to 9 months and involves a comprehensive rehabilitation program. Physical therapy focuses on restoring range of motion, strengthening the muscles, and regaining balance and proprioception. It’s essential to follow a structured rehabilitation plan to ensure proper healing and prevent re-injury.

Even after full recovery, individuals must continue strength training and injury prevention exercises to protect the knee from future damage. Many athletes return to their sport within 9 months, though the exact timeline varies depending on the individual and the severity of the injury.

Orthopedic surgeon Dr. Mark Cinque is a sports medicine surgeon in San Diego, California who specializes in the treatment of complex hip injuries. He has spent time training at The Steadman Clinic and Stanford Orthopaedic Surgery. He has published over 100 peer-reviewed manuscripts and has presented research internationally. He uses minimally invasive arthroscopic procedures to preserve the natural joint and reduce recovery time to accelerate his patients’ return to the activities they love.

Orthopedic surgeon Dr. Mark Cinque is a sports medicine surgeon in San Diego, California who specializes in the treatment of complex knee injuries. He has spent time training at The Steadman Clinic and Stanford Orthopaedic Surgery. He has published over 100 peer-reviewed manuscripts and has presented research internationally. He uses minimally invasive arthroscopic procedures to preserve the natural joint and reduce recovery time to accelerate his patients’ return to the activities they love.