Find a Doctor

A tear in which the ligament is ripped in half, leaving string-like fibers, most likely cannot be repaired. In these cases, reconstruction is necessary.5

ACL Injuries

Learn the common causes and treatments of ACL injuries.

Find a Doctor

What Is an ACL Injury?

The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) provides stability to the knee and supports you while you play sports, grocery shop, or take a walk. Injuries to this ligament are common and can be the result of pivoting quickly, landing awkwardly, or stopping suddenly.1 Common symptoms of an ACL tear include pain, swelling, trouble moving your knee as you used to, and putting weight on it. You may also hear a pop or feel a popping sensation in your knee.1

Minor ACL injuries may be treated without surgery, but if you have an ACL tear, you will most likely need surgery. ACL repair, a procedure that preserves and reattaches the torn ligament, might be the right option for you. If your ligament cannot be repaired, a minimally invasive ACL reconstruction will likely be necessary.

What Treatment Options Are Available?

A new innovative procedure repairs an ACL tear by reattaching the ligament back to the bone. For ACL tears that can be repaired, this minimally invasive option helps patients get back to activities and sports faster2 with a more normal-feeling knee.3,4

Historically, ACL tears have been treated primarily with reconstruction surgery. During this procedure, the damaged ligament is removed and tissue from another part of the knee or donor tissue is used to recreate the ACL.

ACL Repair
Comparison of an ACL reconstruction and an ACL repair
ACL Reconstruction
Comparison of an ACL reconstruction and an ACL repair

Tear Location Matters

Not all ACL tears can be repaired. Tear location plays a big role in determining ACL tear treatment, which includes reconstruction or repair. Other factors that determine if an ACL can be repaired include the quality of the remaining tissue, when the injury occurred, patient age, and activity level.

See Types of Tears
Learn About ACL Repair
Tears in the middle of the ACLTears farther away from the boneTears close to the bone

Tears Close to the Bone

Tears Farther Away From the Bone

Tears in the Middle of the ACL

Patient Stories

See All

Find a Doctor Near You

Enter your ZIP to find an ACL doctor near you
Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
Ready to talk to a doctor? Download this list of questions to ask as you explore your options for ACL surgery.
Legal

References

Privacy

Legal and Ethics Notice

This is not medical advice, and Arthrex recommends that surgeons be trained in the use of a particular product before using it in surgery. A surgeon must always rely on their own professional judgment when deciding whether to use a particular product when treating a particular patient. A surgeon must always refer to the package insert, product label, and/or directions for use before using any Arthrex product. Postoperative management is patient-specific and dependent on the treating professional's assessment. Individual results will vary and not all patients will experience the same postoperative activity level or outcomes. Products may not be available in all markets because product availability is subject to the regulatory or medical practices in individual markets. Please contact Arthrex if you have questions about availability of products in your area. Patient images, videos, and/or testimonials are used with written authorization from the patient.

© 2021 Arthrex, Inc. All rights reserved.