When Is it Necessary to Visit an ACL Tear Specialist in Lower Manhattan?

Find the Best Doctors for ACL Treatment

Injuries of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) are quite common among athletes. They often occur in conjunction with a sharp movement, such as a sudden stop, jump, or change in direction. Athletes may hear a “popping” noise in the knee and experience pain, swelling, and instability immediately following the injury.

If you suspect that this may have happened to you, a Rothman Orthopaedic Institute ACL tear specialist in Lower Manhattan can help. Depending on the severity of your ACL injury, treatment may include rest, rehabilitation, and other conservative strategies. If surgery is required, you should seek out the best orthopaedic surgeons in NYC at Rothman Orthopaedic Institute.

What Causes an ACL Tear?

The anterior cruciate ligament is in the middle of the knee, where it functions to prevent the shin bone from sliding over the thigh bone. Most ACL injuries are related to sports activity. Here are a few factors that increase risk for an ACL tear:

• Pivoting and single-leg landings. The majority of ACL tears are caused by sudden deceleration that places overwhelming pressure on the ligament.

• A direct blow to the outside of the knee. ACL tears from contact are most often caused by a direct blow to the knee while it is bent slightly inward. This may coincide with other knee injuries such as a medial meniscus tear or cartilage injury.

• Gender. Females are two to eight times more likely to experience an ACL tear than their male peers. Research is still underway to understand the reasons why this injury is so prevalent  among girls and women. A number of gender differences may contribute, including hormonal, neuromuscular, biomechanical, and anatomical differences.

• Previous injury. Once an ACL tear has occurred, the risk of re-injury rises by 15%.

Prevention Is Key

Given the high incidence of repeat injuries and later osteoarthritis in individuals who have suffered ACL tears, prevention is a key strategy for athletes at risk. Proper training and exercise are vital to reducing likelihood of ACL injury. Prevention programs may include:

• Exercises to strengthen leg muscles, especially the hamstrings.

• Core strengthening of the abdominal, back extensor, pelvis, and hip musculature. When extremity muscles are strong and the core is weak, the body will lack the force needed to execute movements, setting the stage for injury.

• Training for proper technique in jumping, pivoting, and landing.

Should Surgery Be Considered?

The best orthopaedic surgeons for ACL treatment offer non-surgical interventions as the first line of treatment, as many tears are able to heal without surgery. Immediately following the injury, treatment may include ice, compression, and elevation. A Sports Medicine physician will determine whether and for how long a brace or immobilizer should be used, while your physical therapist will teach you exercises to regain strength and mobility. Progressive exercises aid in restoring knee function as much as possible to guard against instability and future re-injury.

Surgical treatment may be necessary when combined injuries are involved. In these instances, your ACL tear specialist in Lower Manhattan will usually replace the torn ACL with a tendon graft.

Where Can I Find the Best ACL Surgeon in NYC?

Even if you don’t end up needing surgery, an orthopaedic surgeon is the most qualified person to determine a treatment plan for your ACL injury. Whether you’re experiencing pain and swelling after hurting your knee or you’ve been dealing with instability for some time now, it’s important to seek care from an orthopaedic professional. Rothman Orthopaedic Institute offers world-class treatment for knee conditions and many other orthopaedic specialties, including Sports Medicine, Shoulder & Elbow, Hand & Wrist, Spine, Foot & Ankle, and Joint Replacement. Our New York City office is home to some of the best orthopaedic surgeons for ACL tears in the area. To schedule your appointment with a Rothman Orthopaedic Institute ACL tear specialist in Lower Manhattan, please visit us here or contact us at 1-800-321-9999.