ACL Tear —
Symptoms & Treatment
A complete guide to ACL tears — what they are, how they're diagnosed, and when surgery is the right choice.
What is an ACL Tear?
The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is one of the primary stabilizing ligaments of the knee, running diagonally through the middle of the joint. It prevents the tibia from sliding forward relative to the femur and provides rotational stability to the knee.
ACL tears are among the most common sports injuries — approximately 200,000 occur in the United States each year. They most frequently happen during activities that involve sudden stopping, cutting, pivoting, or landing from a jump. Soccer, basketball, football, skiing, and gymnastics are among the sports with the highest ACL injury rates.
Symptoms of a Torn ACL
- A loud "pop" or popping sensation at the time of injury
- Immediate severe pain in the knee
- Rapid swelling within the first few hours
- Loss of full range of motion
- A feeling of instability or "giving way" when bearing weight
- Tenderness along the joint line
If you heard or felt a "pop" in your knee during activity followed by immediate swelling, see an orthopedic surgeon promptly. Early evaluation prevents further damage and allows appropriate treatment planning.
Diagnosis
ACL tears are diagnosed through a combination of physical examination and imaging. Dr. Vasileff performs specific clinical tests — the Lachman test and anterior drawer test — that assess knee stability with high accuracy. An MRI is typically ordered to confirm the diagnosis, assess tear severity, and evaluate for associated injuries such as meniscus tears or bone bruising.
Treatment Options
Physical therapy, bracing, and activity modification. Appropriate for older or less active patients with a stable knee. Not recommended for young athletes who wish to return to pivoting sports.
ConservativeThe torn ACL is replaced with a graft — tissue from your own body or a donor. Standard of care for active patients, athletes, and anyone with knee instability affecting daily life.
SurgicalSuspected ACL tear?
Don't wait on a knee injury. Dr. Vasileff offers prompt evaluation with same-week appointments often available.