ACL Tears: The Best Treatment Options
ACL Tears Treatment
Each case of an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury is different since the age, physical condition, and cause of the injury will differ between two individuals. The best ACL tears treatment protocol will likely be customized according to these factors.
Your doctor will use a wide range of diagnostic tools, such as physical examination and imaging technology, to determine the location, severity and type of your ACL injury. You should then be able to thoroughly discuss your personalized treatment protocol. Your doctor at any of the Healthpointe clinics (such as the Perris clinic near Nuevo, Sun City, Canyon Lake, Homeland, Romoland, and Lakeview) will be happy to answer your questions about the non-surgical and surgical treatments.
- Level of activity
Surgery is usually recommended for active adult patients belonging to either of these categories:
- Involved in sports, such as basketball, baseball, and hockey; or
- Involved in jobs requiring turning, pivoting, or hard-cutting; or
- Involved in heavy manual work.
Older patients who have not been considered for ACL surgery in their younger years are advised to undergo surgery. Doctors emphasize that it is the level of activity, not age, which should determine the necessity for surgical intervention in most cases.
- Age
But there are exemptions to the general rule. In adolescents and young children with ACL tears, a surgeon can delay the operation until the skeletal maturity is nearing its completion. This is because early ACL reconstruction surgery increases the risk for injury to the growth plate.
In many cases when time is of the essence in ACL reconstruction surgery, a surgeon may change the technique involved. The goal: To decrease the risk for growth plate injury while also ensuring effective treatment of the ACL tear.
- Risk for secondary knee damage
When you have a torn ACL coupled with significant functional instability, your surgeon may strongly advise an ACL reconstruction surgery. Otherwise, the risk for secondary knee damage increases.
- Triad of injuries
Surgery is a must for a combination of injuries, such as ACL tear combined with damage to the menisci, articular cartilage, or collateral ligaments. Football players with the so-called unhappy triad (i.e. injury to all parts of the tendon) should undergo surgery for a full recovery.
Are you ready to discuss your options? Ask questions from our Healthpointe doctors now!
Come visit any of our clinics, such as the Temecula clinic near Murrieta, Fallbrook, Wildomar, Canyon Lake, and Sun City, for your questions about the necessity for surgery in ACL injuries.
About Healthpointe:
Healthpointe is a leading multidisciplinary healthcare organization offering a full range of medical services in practice locations throughout Southern California (Los Angeles County, Orange County, San Bernardino County, and Riverside County). Healthpointe has locations situated in over 10 cities in Southern California including Temecula, which is conveniently located by Murrieta, Fallbrook, Wildomar, Canyon Lake, and Sun City. As a highly regarded musculoskeletal group, we have a personal investment in the highest level of service, and we are proud of our record of excellence over the last four decades with private patients, injured workers, urgent care, personal injuries, and professional and non-professional athletes. Leading our organization is a dynamic team of healthcare professionals who continually strive to be at the forefront of medical innovation and healthcare service delivery. For more information, a complete list of services, and Healthpointe locations, visit Healthpointe.net.