Torn ACL Symptoms, Causes, Treatment - What is the treatment for a torn ACL? on MedicineNet

Torn ACL (cont.)

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Medical Author:

Benjamin Wedro, MD, FACEP, FAAEM

Dr. Ben Wedro practices emergency medicine at Gundersen Clinic, a regional trauma center in La Crosse, Wisconsin. His background includes undergraduate and medical studies at the University of Alberta, a Family Practice internship at Queen's University in Kingston, Ontario and residency training in Emergency Medicine at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center.

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Medical Editor:

William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACR

Dr. Shiel received a Bachelor of Science degree with honors from the University of Notre Dame. There he was involved in research in radiation biology and received the Huisking Scholarship. After graduating from St. Louis University School of Medicine, he completed his Internal Medicine residency and Rheumatology fellowship at the University of California, Irvine. He is board-certified in Internal Medicine and Rheumatology.

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What is the treatment for a torn ACL?

The major decision in treating a torn ACL is whether the patient would benefit from surgery to repair the injury. The surgeon and the patient need to discuss the level of activity that was present before the injury, what the patient expects to do after the injury has healed, the general health of the patient, and whether the patient is willing to undertake the significant physical therapy and rehabilitation required after an operation.

Nonsurgical treatment may be appropriate for patients who are less active, do not participate in activities that require running, jumping or pivoting, and who would be interested in physical therapy to return range of motion and strength to match the uninjured leg.

The anterior cruciate ligament can be reconstructed using arthroscopic surgery. There are a variety of techniques, depending on the type of tear and what other injuries may be associated. The decision as to what surgical option is appropriate is individualized and tailored to a patient's specific situation.

Physical therapy is the mainstay of rehabilitation and therapy regardless of whether or not an operation is performed. The quadriceps and hamstring muscles "shut down" and weaken with any knee injury and strengthening exercises are needed. Return of range of motion is also a key component of therapy.

Medications

Anti-inflammatory medications, such as ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil), naproxen (Aleve), or ketorolac (Toradol), may be suggested to decrease swelling and pain. Narcotic medications for pain, such as codeine, hydrocodone, or oxycodone (Oxycontin), may be prescribed for a short period of time after the acute injury and shortly after surgery.

Next: How long does it take to recover from a torn ACL?