Treatment for ACL tears is important to: * Reduce abnormal knee movements and improve knee function * Build trust and confidence to use the knee normally again * Prevent further<unk>  to the knee and reduce the risk of osteoarthritis * Optimise long-term quality of life following the<unk>  Nonsurgical Nonsurgical treatment for ACL rupture involves progressive, structured rehabilitation that aims to restore muscle strength, dynamic knee control and psychological confidence. For some, the ACL may heal without surgery during the rehabilitation process (i.e. the torn pieces re-unite to form a functional<unk> . The purpose of exercise treatment is to restore the normal functioning of the muscular and balance system around the knee. Research has demonstrated that by training the muscles around the knee appropriately through exercise treatment, the body can 'learn' to control the knee again, and despite extra movement inside the knee, the knee can feel strong and able to withstand force. Typically, this approach involves visiting a physical therapist or sports medicine professional soon after<unk>  to oversee an intensive, structured program of exercises. Other treatments may be used initially such as hands-on therapies in order to reduce pain. The physiotherapist will act as a coach through rehabilitation, usually by setting goals for recovery and giving feedback on progress. Estimated non-surgical recovery timeframe is 3–6 months and depends on the extent of the original<unk> , pre-existing fitness and commitment to the rehabilitation and sporting goals. Some may not be satisfied with the outcome of non-surgical management and may opt for surgery later. Surgery ACL reconstruction surgery involves replacing the torn ACL with a "graft," which is a tendon taken from another source. Grafts can be taken from the patellar tendon, hamstring tendon, quadriceps tendon from either the person undergoing the procedure ("autograft") or a cadaver ("allograft"). The graft serves as scaffolding upon which new<unk>  tissue will grow. The surgery is done with an arthroscope or tiny camera inserted inside the knee, with additional small incisions made around the knee to insert surgical instruments. This method is less invasive and is proven to result in less pain from surgery, less time in the hospital, and quicker recovery times than "open" surgery (in which a long incision is made down the front of the knee and the joint is opened and exposed). The timing of ACL reconstruction has been controversial, with some studies showing worse outcomes when surgery is done immediately after<unk> , and others showing no difference in outcomes when surgery is done immediately compared to when surgery is delayed. The American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons has stated that there is moderate evidence to support the guideline that ACL reconstruction should occur within five months of<unk>  in order to improve a person's function and protect the knee from further<unk> ; however, additional studies need to be done to determine the best time for surgery and to better understand the effect of timing on clinical outcomes. Young athletes who have early surgical reconstruction are more likely to return to their previous level of athletic ability when compared to those who underwent delayed surgery or nonoperative treatment. They are also less likely to experience instability in their knee if they undergo early surgery. There are over 100,000 ACL reconstruction surgeries per year in the United States. Over 95% of ACL reconstructions are performed in the outpatient setting. The most common procedures performed during ACL reconstruction are partial meniscectomy and chondroplasty. Asymmetry in the repaired knee is a possibility and has been found to have a large effect between limbs for peak vertical ground reaction force, peak knee-extension moment, and loading rate during double-limb landings, as well as mean knee-extension moment and knee energy absorption during both double- and single-limb landings. Analysis of joint symmetry along with movement patterns should be a part of return to sports criteria. Rehabilitation The goals of rehabilitation following an ACL<unk>  are to regain knee strength and motion. If an individual with an ACL<unk>  undergoes surgery, the rehabilitation process will first focus on slowly increasing the range of motion of the joint, then on strengthening the surrounding muscles to protect the new<unk>  and stabilize the knee. Finally, functional training specific to the activities required for certain sports is begun. It may take six or more months before an athlete can return to sport after surgery, as it is vital to regain a sense of balance and control over the knee in order to prevent a second<unk> .
Anterior cruciate ligament injury
Tibial plateau fracture
Posterior cruciate ligament injury
Knee dislocation  Knee dislocation  1
Medial knee injuries
Pes anserine bursitis
Patellar dislocation
Patellar subluxation syndrome