The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is one of four ligaments in the knee joint. The ligament connects the distal or lower head of the femur, or long bone of the thigh to the upper end of the tibia or shinbone at the knee. The ligament is extremely important in knee joint stability and can be damaged through fast changes in direction as well as pivoting or twisting movements, as is common in many sports. Non-surgical repair to a damaged ACL ligament offers restored mobility and joint strength and function.
Your rehabilitation process and the pain you experience from a mild to moderate tear of the ACL ligament depends on your specific case. It may take up to six weeks following your ACL injury to regain full function and mobility of the knee, plus additional time for strengthening. In the event these non-surgical methods don't work to offer strength and function, your doctor may opt for surgical repair of the ligament. A surgical approach will take into consideration your age and activity levels, the relative instability of the knee joint and determine if other parts of the knee joint have been injured. However, optimal repair to the ACL ligament is best if treatment or surgery is performed as soon as possible following the injury.