The anterior cruciate ligament, or ACL, is an important part of your knee that helps keep it steady. Injuries to the ACL often happen during quick moves like jumping, turning, or changing direction fast. If the ACL tears, treatment could involve surgery or special exercises for rehabilitation. It will depend on how bad the injury is and the person’s needs. The right care can help you heal and feel confident again.
This article will explain treatment options for ACL injuries. We will also discuss how to find the right specialist and why choosing the right doctor matters for recovery.
Nonsurgical Treatment Options for ACL Injuries
For people with mild ACL tears or those who are less active, nonsurgical treatments may work best. These treatments aim to reduce pain and help you move better without needing surgery.
Physical Therapy
Physical therapy is often one of the first treatments for ACL injuries. Therapists create exercise plans to improve strength, flexibility, and balance. Strengthening nearby muscles, like the quadriceps and hamstrings, helps the knee work better even with the injured ACL. Regular therapy sessions can help you move more easily and get stronger for everyday tasks.
Bracing and Protection
Knee braces are often used to support the knee after an ACL injury. They keep the knee steady during movement and lower the chance of more damage.
Braces are usually combined with physical therapy for better results. Preventive measures, such as staying away from risky sports, are also part of nonsurgical care.
Activity Modification
For people who are not very active, changing activities can make a big difference. This might mean avoiding sports that strain the knee and doing low-impact exercises instead, such as swimming or biking. This approach allows the knee to heal while helping you stay active in a safe way.
Surgical Treatment Options for ACL Injuries
When an ACL injury is very serious or makes daily activities difficult, surgery may be best. People who play sports or have active lifestyles may find that surgery is a good option for them. It helps keep an injured knee strong and stable in the long run.
Arthroscopic ACL Reconstruction
ACL reconstruction is a common surgery used to fix a torn ligament. During the procedure, the torn ACL is replaced with a new tissue graft. This graft can come from your own hamstring or patellar tendon, or it can come from a donor.
The surgery is done using small cuts and special tools. This makes it less invasive and helps you recover faster than open surgery.
Allograft vs. Autograft Options
Your doctor may talk to you about using an allograft, which is donor tissue. You can also use an autograft, which is tissue from your own body. Autografts are often chosen for younger and more active people. Meanwhile, allografts are sometimes better for older individuals or those with less active lifestyles. Your doctor will help you decide which choice fits your needs best.
Robotics-Assisted Surgery
Some hospitals use robotic technology to make ACL surgery more accurate. This advanced method helps surgeons perform the procedure with higher precision for better results. Since not every hospital offers this option, it is good to ask whether it is available for your surgery.
Post-Treatment Recovery and Rehabilitation
Regardless of whether you choose surgical or nonsurgical treatment, proper rehabilitation is essential. Post-surgical recovery involves a structured physical therapy program. It often begins with gentle range-of-motion exercises and progresses to strength training.
Recovery timelines vary. However, most individuals regain full activity within six to nine months after surgery.
Finding the Best Orthopedic Doctor for ACL Treatment
Selecting the right orthopedic specialist can significantly impact your recovery. Here is how to identify the best doctor for your ACL treatment:
Look for Board Certification
A board-certified orthopedic surgeon demonstrates expertise. They also show a commitment to the highest standards of care. Board certification ensures that they have undergone rigorous training and passed specialized examinations.
Choose an ACL Specialist
General orthopedic doctors might treat ACL injuries. However, specialists with extensive experience in knee injuries will provide the most effective care. Specialists stay updated on the latest surgical techniques and advancements in treatment.
Review Patient Testimonials and Outcomes
Patient reviews can provide insight into a doctor’s expertise and bedside manner. In addition, look for documented success rates and outcomes from their procedures. Positive feedback from other ACL patients is a great indicator of the doctor’s abilities.
Verify Fellowship Training
Fellowship training offers additional, specialized expertise. A fellowship-trained ACL specialist focuses specifically on knee injuries. This makes them highly qualified to address your needs.
Seek a Doctor Who Values Rehabilitation
Your doctor should work closely with physical therapists and prioritize a comprehensive rehab plan. This teamwork ensures a smooth recovery process and long-term stability for your knee.
The Best ACL Specialist in Plantation, FL
Recovering from an ACL injury can seem like a big challenge. However, the right care and advice from the best ACL specialist near you can make a huge difference. At Baylis and Brown Orthopedics, we focus on giving expert care and creating personalized treatment plans.
Our highly trained ACL specialist, Dr. Robert Baylis, is board-certified and fellowship-trained. He has many years of experience treating ACL injuries. Dr. Baylis uses advanced methods to make sure every patient gets the best possible results. Call us at (954) 476-8800 or use the appointment request form on our website. Dr. Baylis and our dedicated team are here to help you regain your mobility, strength, and confidence.
The best knee doctor near you looks forward to serving you!
