The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is one of four ligaments that connect the tibia to the femur. Tears in the ACL are one of the most common knee injuries. When a tear occurs, the stability of the knee is compromised, making it more vulnerable to additional injuries.

Treating an ACL Tear

Often an ACL tear may occur with another type of injury to the knee, such as other torn ligaments or damage to the meniscus. Depending on the severity of the tear, surgery may be indicated while minor tears may heal without surgery with proper treatment.

An ACL tear can occur in any athlete or active person who participates in sports or activities where they may need to jump, make sudden stops or quickly change direction. ACL tears are common in sports such as:

• Football
• Basketball
• Soccer
• Tennis
• Volleyball
• Downhill skiing
• Gymnastics

Most ACL injuries occur without there being any contact with another player, but some do occur because of direct contact with landing or running into an object or a player.  When an ACL injury occurs, you may feel or hear a sudden pop in your knee. Your knee may give out and become too painful to stand on. The knee may begin to swell and you could experience a loss of range of motion.

Top Rated Arthroscopic Surgeon Treating ACL Tears

An ACL may only partially tear or there could be a complete rupture of the tendon. When treating ACL tears, top rated arthroscopic surgeon Dr. Howard Marans may first order X-rays to rule out any fractures. Tests known as Lachman’s Test and the Pivot Shift Test may also be performed to identify if an injury to the ACL has occurred. It is likely Dr. Marans will also order an MRI to determine the amount of damage done to your ACL and to identify any other knee injuries that may have occurred.

For partial ACL tears that do not cause any stability problems, the Doctor may recommend:

• A program of physical therapy
• Exercises to strengthen supporting muscles around the knee
• Using a knee brace to stabilize your knee while participating in sports

However, if you are very involved in sports, and plan to remain that way, treating your ACL tear may require surgery. Those who experience an ACL injury and do not have it surgically repaired are at a higher risk of experiencing secondary injuries if their knee becomes unstable.

A complete tear or rupture of the ACL once meant having to give up playing sports. Using the latest techniques in arthroscopic surgery, Dr. Marans can restore stability and function to knees that have suffered an ACL tear.

Top Rated Arthroscopic Surgeon

If you have injured your knee, you need immediate treatment to prevent further injury. For care from a top rated arthroscopic surgeon, please click below or call us at 714.979.8981 to schedule your consultation with Dr. Howard Marans.

Providing stability and support, the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is a working component of the knee. Individuals who participate in sports or other athletic routines are more likely to acquire an ACL injury. Impacting negatively on exercise or training routines, a torn ACL may create a significant amount of pain and limit range of motion.

ACL Surgeon for Athletes

An ACL surgeon Huntington Beach will be able to design an individualized treatment program to provide optimal results for the patient.  ACL surgeons for athletes have specialized training with the complex musculoskeletal system. An ACL knee problem may be the direct result of a degenerative disease or an injury. The orthopedic surgeon will be able to use the specialized training to focus on the knee issue by providing an accurate diagnosis.

Finding an ACL Surgeon

The best ACL surgeon for athletes can be discovered through referrals and reviews from both professional and personal resources.

• Referral from the primary care physician who believes specialized care will improve the quality of treatment
• Referral from the patient’s medical insurance representative to find an ACL surgeon who is within the care network to maximize coverage costs
• Referrals from friends, family members, or co-workers who have past positive experiences with an ACL surgeon
• Online medical reviews describing the best characteristics of the ACL surgeon
• Reviews from the American Medical Association or other professional medical agency providing documentation of education and credentials

Picking the best ACL surgeon will help an athlete return to normal activity levels without pain.

ACL Diagnosis

An ACL surgeon begins with a precise diagnosis to verify the injury, disease or damage to the knee.

• Complete accurate medical history
• Details of the circumstances leading up to the ACL issue
• Physical examination and in office testing
• X-rays, MRIs, or other imagining tests to look for any type of contributing factors to the knee issue including broken bones

After reaching a complete and accurate diagnosis for an ACL injury, a progressive treatment approach will begin.

ACL Treatment Approaches

ACL treatment approaches are based on an athlete’s peak physical condition. If the damage to the ACL is not severe ,or only partial torn, non-surgical options may be the first step in the treatment process.

• Physical therapy is commonly used to restore the ACL back to the condition prior to the injury
• Knee brace or other support to help in the healing process
• Use of crutches or other walking support
• Ice may be applied to the knee to help reduce pain and swelling
• Rest to help the healing process

Under most circumstances, surgical treatment is necessary to repair or reconstruct a completely torn ACL. Reconstruction involves a replacement graft to the damage ACL within the knee.

ACL Surgeon for Athletes in Huntington Beach

The best ACL surgeon Huntington Beach for athletes and sports participants, Dr. Howard Marans starts treatment with an accurate diagnosis. Please click the icon below to schedule your consultation with the Doctor – or, call direct 714.979.8981.