Understanding ACL Injuries and How Surgery Can Help: Watch Dr. Paul Rothenberg’s Surgical Video
ACL Injuries Are Common and Life-Changing
ACL injuries are among the most common knee injuries, particularly in athletes involved in sports that require pivoting, cutting, or sudden changes in direction. Every year, hundreds of thousands of people experience an ACL tear, often leaving them with significant limitations in their daily lives and athletic performance.
The ACL: A Key Stabilizer of the Knee
The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is one of the key stabilizing ligaments in the knee. It connects the thigh bone (femur) to the shin bone (tibia) and prevents excessive forward movement and rotation of the tibia. The ACL is critical for maintaining knee stability during activities like running, jumping, and changing direction.
How Do ACL Tears Happen?
ACL tears commonly occur during sudden direction changes (e.g., cutting or pivoting), landing awkwardly from a jump, or direct impact to the knee, such as during contact sports. These injuries are often accompanied by a “popping” sound, followed by pain, swelling, and instability in the knee.
The Consequences of an ACL Tear
An ACL tear can significantly affect knee function and stability. People often experience difficulty walking or running, especially on uneven surfaces, an inability to pivot or change direction without the knee giving out, and reduced confidence in the knee, making sports and daily activities challenging. Without proper treatment, an ACL tear can also increase the risk of further knee injuries, such as meniscus tears or cartilage damage.
Treatment Options for ACL Tears
Treatment for an ACL tear depends on the patient’s activity level and goals. Non-surgical options, including physical therapy and bracing, can help some individuals with partial tears or low activity demands regain function. For active individuals or those experiencing significant instability, ACL reconstruction surgery is the gold standard. Surgery involves replacing the torn ACL with a graft, typically using tissue from the patient’s own body (autograft). This restores stability and allows for a return to sports and other high-demand activities.
Watch Dr. Rothenberg’s Educational Video on ACL Reconstruction
If you’ve been diagnosed with an ACL tear, understanding the surgical process can help you feel more confident about your treatment plan. In this video, Dr. Rothenberg demonstrates his technique for an All-Inside ACL reconstruction using a quadriceps autograft. This approach provides a strong, durable repair with minimal invasiveness, promoting quicker recovery and long-term knee stability. Watch the video here.
For more information on ACL injuries and their treatment click here.