September 26th, 2014
For An ACL Injury, New Jersey Area Orthopaedic Specialists Can Help
Between the running, jumping, pivoting, and other quick paced motions in many sports, injuries are not uncommon. However, some are easily resolved with an ice pack and a couple days of rest, while others require more involved treatment.One major injury athletes may experiences is that of the anterior cruciate ligament or ACL, more commonly known as an ACL injury.This ligament is one of four which stabilizes the knee, and it is important in sports like soccer, basketball, skiing, and others which involve pivoting.If you or someone you love has experienced an ACL injury, New Jersey area specialists at Rothman Orthopaedic Institute can help.
The Initial Injury
An injury to the ACL can be caused by contact to the knee, although it can also occur through planting and pivoting of a bended knee.If it is torn, you may feel or hear a pop.The knee will most likely give out and swell up.Movement will be severely limited or prevented entirely.If you have experienced an ACL injury, New Jersey doctors recommend that you initially apply ice and compression while elevating your leg.However, you will soon need to see a sports medicine physician to determine what the best course of treatment will be for your situation.
Where to Turn for Help
After an examination of your ACL injury, New Jersey sports medicine physicians may recommend that you seek out an ACL reconstruction surgery at Rothman Orthopaedic Institute.Because the ACL does not heal well on its own, and cannot be stitched together, the typical surgical treatment is reconstruction using a graft.After the operation, the patient will continue on in physical therapy, refraining from stressful activities for a period of time prescribed by the doctor and therapist.Each patient’s experience with an ACL injury and repair will differ based on his or her situation, so it is important that you spend time talking with your doctor and surgeon to determine the best course for you.