Medications
 
 

ACL Repair

Some of the possible treatments for a torn ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) may include medication, changes in activity level, and physical therapy. If these treatments are unsuccessful, your healthcare provider may recommend reconstruction surgery. This surgery involves removing a damaged ACL and replacing it with an ACL graft.
 
Before undergoing surgery to repair a torn ACL, it's important to understand what occurs during the reconstruction surgery and what to expect when the procedure is finished. In addition, there are various types of grafts that may be used, each of which has advantages and disadvantages.
 
ACL reconstruction is generally considered a safe and effective procedure, with a fairly low risk for complications. A majority of patients gain significant, if not total, improvement in their symptoms as a result of this operation.
 
(Click ACL Reconstruction for more information on repairing a torn ACL. This full-length article offers details on what to expect during this surgery and describes symptoms of a torn ACL.)
 
Written by/reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD