What It Is

The Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) is one of the key ligaments in the knee that helps control stability, particularly during movements like pivoting, sudden stops, and directional changes. ACL injuries commonly occur in athletes participating in high-demand sports such as football, soccer, basketball, and skiing. When the ACL is torn, it can lead to significant instability in the knee joint and affect your ability to perform even basic movements.

Signs & Symptoms

• A “popping” sensation or sound at the time of injury
• Immediate knee pain and swelling
• Instability, especially when trying to pivot or change direction
• Difficulty walking or bearing weight on the affected leg
• Decreased range of motion and stiffness in the knee

Diagnosis

To diagnose an ACL injury, Dr. Romanelli will conduct a thorough physical examination and evaluate the stability of your knee. This typically involves assessing for any signs of a torn ligament and using specific tests to determine knee instability. Imaging tests such as MRI may be used to confirm the diagnosis and assess any additional damage to the surrounding structures.

Treatment

Treatment for an ACL injury depends on the severity of the tear and the patient’s activity level. Active individuals, especially athletes, often require surgical reconstruction to restore stability and function. For others, a combination of non-surgical treatments and physical therapy may be effective in managing symptoms.

Non-Surgical Treatment

In cases where the ACL tear is partial or the patient is less active, non-surgical treatments may be an option. These include:

• Rest, ice, and elevation to manage swelling and pain
• Knee bracing to protect the joint and improve stability
• Physical therapy to strengthen the muscles around the knee and restore range of motion

Surgical Procedure

For those needing surgical intervention, ACL reconstruction is the most common procedure. Dr. Romanelli offers advanced options like Adult Bone Patellar Tendon Bone (BPTB) Autografts, which provide a strong and reliable method for ligament repair. In certain cases, patients may benefit from the Bridge-Enhanced ACL Restoration (BEAR) Procedure, an innovative technique that promotes the body’s natural healing response by using a scaffold to help regenerate the torn ligament, offering a less invasive alternative to traditional graft-based ACL reconstruction.

Physical Therapy

Rehabilitation through physical therapy is essential following either surgical or non-surgical treatment of an ACL injury. Physical therapy helps restore strength, flexibility, and stability to the knee, enabling a return to normal activities. Dr. Romanelli works closely with physical therapists to design a recovery plan tailored to your individual needs, ensuring the best possible outcome.