Your Options for ACL Tear Treatment in NoHo, NY

Expert ACL Tear Treatment in NoHo, NY Is Found at Rothman Orthopaedic Institute

The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is the most commonly injured ligament in the knee, with about 100,000-200,000 injuries taking place in the U.S. per year. Although often caused by vigorous physical activity or a sports injury, an ACL tear can occur in anyone at any age.

If you believe that you’re suffering from an ACL tear and are local to the Manhattan, NY area, ACL tear treatment in NoHo, NY, is available with the knee and Sports Medicine specialists at Rothman Orthopaedic Institute. Before heading into a professional consultation, it’s great to read up and be as knowledgeable on the subject matter as you can be. That way, when it comes time to make a decision on the best treatment method, you and your doctor can select the best course of action possible. Below we’ll delve into the basics of an ACL tear.

What Is an ACL Tear and What Causes It?

Three bones comprise the knee joint: the femur (thighbone), the tibia (shinbone), and the patella (kneecap). The anterior cruciate ligament is one of four ligaments in the knee joint that hold the bones together and provide stability. It runs diagonally through the middle of the knee. The anterior cruciate ligament specifically prevents the tibia from sliding out in front of the femur and provides rotational stability to the knee.

Common causes of an ACL tear include:

• Rapidly changing direction

• Slowing down while running

• Suddenly stopping

• Direct impact and/or collision

• Incorrectly landing from a jump

Some studies have even suggested that women are more prone to ACL injuries due to:

• Differences in pelvis/lower leg alignment

• Estrogen’s effects on ligament properties

• Increased looseness in ligaments

• Differences in muscle strength, physical conditioning, and neuromuscular control vs. men

Common symptoms include:

• “Popping” or “clicking” noise in the knee

• Pain with swelling

• Knee instability

• Loss of full range of motion

• Discomfort with movement

• Joint tenderness

ACL Tear Diagnosis

An in-depth consultation with a Rothman Orthopaedic Institute ACL specialist will help to determine if you are suffering from an ACL tear, as well as your injury’s “grade” (or degree of severity). Each consultation is tailored to each patient’s specific needs, but a meeting will generally involve:

• A detailed review of your medical history

• A thorough physical examination

Once you have explained your symptoms to the doctor, they will examine your knee and compare its structure to that of your uninjured knee. Imaging tests, such as x-rays and/or MRIs, may be taken in order for the doctor to get a better view of the knee joint and determine if an ACL tear is present.

ACL tears are typically diagnosed as “sprains” and classified as one of the following:

• Grade One Sprain: a mildly damaged ACL that has been slightly stretched.

• Grade Two Sprain: a partial tear, where the ACL has been stretched to the point of becoming loose.

• Grade Three Sprain: a complete tear, where the ACL has been split in two.

Your torn ACL injury treatment plan will depend on a variety of factors, including the ACL tear’s size, “grade,” and overall impact on the patient’s daily life.

Non-surgical ACL Tear Treatment

Although a torn ACL will not heal without surgical intervention, non-surgical treatments may be better suited for older patients or for those who maintain a low-level of physical activity. Non-surgical treatment options include bracing and physical therapy.

Surgical ACL Tear Treatment

Since most ACL tears cannot be stitched back together, arthroscopic reconstruction surgery is commonly performed. During this minimally-invasive procedure, a tissue graft will be sourced from you (or a cadaver, if needed) and used to replace the torn ligament. Healing can take six months or longer, so it will be some time before a patient is allowed to return to rigorous activity/sports.

Regardless of your treatment method, rehabilitation instructions prescribed by your doctor must be followed very carefully in order to increase the chances of a successful recovery.

The Rothman Orthopaedic Institute Difference

ACL tear treatment and rehabilitation can be onerous. That’s why it’s crucial to have the best team at your side that puts patients at the top of their priority list.

Rothman Orthopaedic Institute’s team is unparalleled when it comes to innovation, research, and cutting-edge technology. They are always ahead of the curve when it comes to treating their patients. Plus, with their ever-expanding team of 180+ physicians and 1,200 staff members, specialization is a key benefit to using Rothman Orthopaedic Institute for your medical needs.

Besides being at the forefront of advanced orthopaedic treatment methodologies, Rothman Orthopaedic Institute provides comfort, education, and knowledge to their patients. The medical world and its jargon can overwhelm and confuse people, but our specialists make sure to clarify anything that our patients are unsure about so the treatment and rehabilitation processes can have the best chance at success.

Rothman Orthopaedic Institute is the top choice for ACL tear treatment in NoHo, NY. To schedule an appointment, please visit us here or contact us at 1-800-321-9999.