A torn ACL from football may require surgery to prevent future injury
Q. My son is a senior in high school who recently injured his knee playing football. While he was tackling an opposing player, he felt a pop in his left knee. He had to come out of the game and his knee swelled quickly. The team doctor examined him and thought his ACL was torn. This was confirmed on an MRI scan and the doctor recommended surgery for the ACL tear. My son is devastated as this is his senior year. Is surgery necessary and if so, how long is someone out from playing football? What is the likelihood of a full recovery?
A. The Anterior Cruciate Ligament(ACL) is commonly injured in football, soccer, basketball and skiing. The ACL is a ligament inside the knee that is important for stability with pivoting activities. Most of the time when an ACL injury occurs, other structures in the knee are also injured such as the meniscal cartilage, ligaments and bone bruises.
Initial treatment is usually a brief rehab program to decrease swelling, regain knee motion, and regain muscle strength. Surgery is usually indicated in younger patients to prevent recurrent buckling, further cartilage injury, and increased long-term risk of arthritis.
Post-op protocols may require a period of bracing and crutch use for up to one month. Physical therapy post-op is important to regain full motion, strength and knee function. Most athletes are out of football for 9-12 months post-op, but usually can return to prior level of competition.
Dr. Harlan Selesnick is team physician of the Miami Heat and director of Miami Sports Medicine Fellowship, Doctors Hospital. Send your questions to HarlanS@baptisthealth.net