The ACL is one of the key ligaments in your knee. It connects the thigh bone (femur) to the shinbone (tibia) and plays a vital role in stabilizing your knee joint. A healthy ACL keeps the knee steady during dynamic movements and protects it from excessive forward motion or rotation.
Treatment
Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) Injury
Precision Diagnosis & Reconstruction by Dr. Pramod Bhor
Best Robotic Knee Replacement Surgeon
Dr. Pramod Bhor stands out as a renowned and reliable orthopedic and joint replacement surgeon based in Kharghar, Navi Mumbai. With a solid 15 years of experience under his belt, he has skillfully performed a variety of surgeries that include, but are not limited to, total knee replacements, total hip replacements, trauma-related surgeries, and arthroscopic knee procedures.
Moreover, as a distinguished orthopedic surgeon at Fortis Hiranandani Hospital in Vashi, Navi Mumbai, Dr. Bhor has built a stellar reputation for his excellent surgical abilities and dedication to patient care. With a remarkable tally of over 3000 surgeries, he has refined his skills across a broad spectrum of procedures including joint replacements, trauma surgeries, spine surgeries, arthroscopic interventions, and minimally invasive operations for fractures and trauma.
What Is the Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL)?
Causes & Related Risk Factors
While ACL injuries relate to knee stability, patients with musculoskeletal issues sometimes experience multiple joint concerns. For instance, frozen shoulder risk increases after prolonged immobility, diabetes, thyroid disorders, or post-surgical immobilization. Addressing overall joint health supports better knee outcomes as well.
How Is the ACL Injured?
ACL injuries commonly occur during:
- Sudden stops or rapid changes in direction
- Jumping and landing awkwardly
- Direct blows or collisions to the knee
- Pivoting while the foot is planted
High-impact sports such as soccer, basketball, football, and skiing carry increased risk.
Symptoms of an ACL Injury or Tear
- A popping noise at the time of injury
- Severe pain and inability to continue the activity
- Swelling that begins within a few hours
- Loss of range of motion
- Instability or “giving way” when bearing weight
What Are the Causes of ACL Injury?
Most ACL injuries result from:
- Sudden deceleration or stops
- Changing direction rapidly
- Landing awkwardly from a jump
- Direct collisions or impact
How Is an ACL Injury Diagnosed?
Diagnosis includes:
- Physical examination to assess swelling, tenderness, and range of motion
- Special tests (Lachman, pivot shift) to evaluate stability
- Imaging such as X-rays (to rule out fractures) and MRI scans to confirm ligament damage
Types of ACL Injury or Tears
ACL injuries are graded based on severity:
Grade 1 (Mild)
The ligament is slightly stretched but still stabilizes the knee.
Grade 2 (Partial Tear)
The ligament becomes loose due to excessive stretching.
Grade 3 (Complete Tear)
The ligament is split into two pieces, causing significant instability.
Treatment for ACL Injury or Tear
Treatment varies based on injury grade and lifestyle goals:
- Rehabilitation exercises to strengthen surrounding muscles
- Knee braces to stabilize the joint
- Arthroscopic ACL reconstruction using autograft or allograft tissue
- Post-operative physiotherapy to restore strength, balance, and flexibility
Physical therapy is essential for recovery, whether surgery is chosen or not, to regain function and stability.
Why Choose Dr. Pramod Bhor for ACL Surgery?
Dr. Pramod Bhor is renowned as the best Knee Replacement Surgeon in Navi Mumbai, specializing in:
- Robotic Joint Replacement & Minimally Invasive Surgery
- Reconstructive Orthopaedics with advanced automatic robotic arm technology
- 16+ years of experience in total knee/hip replacements, trauma, and arthroscopic procedures
- Proven track record of helping athletes return to peak performance
Understanding ACL injuries is key to prevention and effective treatment. With proper care, recovery, and rehabilitation, individuals can safely return to their previous activity levels—especially under the expert care of Dr. Pramod Bhor in Navi Mumbai.
FAQ's for ACL Injury or Tear
Can ACL injuries heal without surgery?
Partial tears and low-demand patients may benefit from bracing and rehab. Complete tears in active individuals usually require reconstruction for long-term stability.
How long is recovery after an ACL injury?
Non-surgical recovery may take 3–6 months. Post-surgical recovery generally takes 6–9 months depending on rehab adherence and sport-specific demands.
Can you still walk with an ACL injury?
Some people can walk on a torn ACL, but the knee often feels unstable, especially during pivoting or sudden movements.
Are ACL injuries preventable?
Neuromuscular training, proper landing mechanics, strength, and balance exercises reduce risk, but do not eliminate it entirely.
Does an ACL injury hurt all the time?
Pain is usually most intense immediately after injury. Chronic instability, swelling, or associated meniscus damage can cause recurring discomfort.