ACL Tear Surgery FAQ’s
If you suffer from an injury to the ACL in your knee, you may have questions about the ACL tear and the surgery you need. Below we have listed the answers to some of the FAQ.
Can an ACL tear heal without surgery?
Small tears (sprains) may be treated non-surgically and with regenerative medicine therapy. However, full tears of the ACL cannot be repaired without surgery. In cases where you are not making pivoting movements on your knee, physical therapy rehabilitation may be enough to treat you.
What is the immediate treatment for an ACL tear?
Provide first aid. You may only need to apply ice to your knee, elevate your leg, and stay off your feet for a few days if your injury is minor. Ace bandages can help reduce swelling. Crutches can help you keep weight off your knee.
What happens if ACL injury is not treated?
In the absence of treatment, a small ACL tear can cause more pain and increase laxity in the knee. Due to the lack of a properly functioning ACL, the other structures in the knee are subjected to more strain, which leads to additional injuries.
How long does it take a torn ACL to heal without surgery?
The time it takes to recover is approximately 3 months.
Is surgery required for a partial ACL tear?
ACL injuries can either be complete or partial. While complete ACL tears almost always require surgery, partial ACL tears may be treated effectively with nonsurgical methods. Tears of the ACL are graded by severity and are referred to as sprains (a sprain is a stretch or tear in a ligament).
