An anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear is one of the most common knee injuries, particularly among athletes and active individuals. An ACL tear can significantly impact mobility and knee stability, whether caused by a sudden pivot, awkward landing, or direct impact. Dealing with an ACL tear can be difficult, and it’s important that you understand what your treatment options are and what the recovery process might look like. Dr. Jeffrey Chase at Virgin Islands Orthopaedics & Medical Specialists in St. Thomas and St. Croix can explain how to manage an ACL tear and what the entire timeline may look like.

Dealing With an ACL Tear

The ACL is one of the four major ligaments that stabilize the knee. It helps prevent the tibia (shin bone) from sliding out in front of the femur (thigh bone) and controls rotational movements of the knee. When the ACL is partially or completely torn, the knee becomes unstable, leading to pain, swelling, and difficulty bearing weight. When dealing with an ACL tear, it’s important to talk to your doctor in St. Thomas and St. Croix to understand what treatment may entail.

The treatment choice depends on the tear's severity, the patient’s activity level, age, and overall health. Treatment options generally fall into two categories: non-surgical and surgical. Non-surgical treatment is often recommended for individuals with a partial tear, less active individuals, or those with stable knees after the injury. This includes rest, bracing the knee, and modifying your activities to low-impact activities. Non-surgical treatment may relieve and improve function, but it may not fully restore knee stability in some patients, especially athletes.

Surgery is the most common option for individuals with complete ACL tears or those who want to return to high-level activities. ACL reconstruction surgery replaces the torn ligament with a graft, typically taken from the patient’s body or a donor.

After surgery, the knee may be immobilized in a brace. Physical therapy focuses on reducing swelling and regaining a basic range of motion. After 6-12 weeks, rehabilitation exercises intensify, emphasizing strengthening the muscles surrounding the knee. After 3-6 months, strengthening and agility exercises continue, and low-impact exercises can resume. After 6-9 months, you may gradually return to sports-specific training, including cutting, pivoting, and jumping. Full return to high-impact sports may take 9–12 months, depending on the patient’s progress and the advice of your medical team.

Contact Our Orthopedic Surgeon Today

Find out what recovery from an ACL tear may look like. Contact Dr. Jeffrey Chase at Virgin Islands Orthopaedics & Medical Specialists in St. Thomas and St. Croix to learn more about ACL tears and how to manage them. Call for more information and to schedule your consultation at (340) 714-2845 for the office in St. Thomas and (340) 692-5000 for the office in St. Croix.