What treatment options are available for the patient with an ACL tear?
An ACL tear does not mean that surgery is required. Patients whose lifestyles do not involve pivoting sports or do not require pivoting or knee stability in their jobs or daily activities may not require surgery. These patients may attempt a non-operative rehabilitation program to strengthen the leg muscles and possibly wear a brace to provide stability to the knee. Patients who participate in pivoting sports or who have episodes of instability in their daily activities despite a rehab program should consider undergoing reconstruction of their ACL. This surgery will restore stability to the knee and decrease the risk of re-injury.
