Alternative to ACL Surgery

According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS), approximately 200,000 people tear their knee's anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) every year, commonly caused by activities that require continuous pivoting, sidestepping or jumping maneuvers. Although ACL surgery is required for complete ACL tears, partial ACL tears are treatable through non-surgical methods, such as knee braces or physical therapy. These treatments take less time to heal compared to ACL surgery.

Physical Therapy

• Adults with an ACL injury can use physical therapy in place of ACL surgery. Physical therapy focuses on retraining the knee to move in all possible directions, followed by strengthening exercises that increase stability in the knee, hip and ankle. According to the Mayo Clinic, people can resume their normal activities after a month of physical therapy.

High Risk Activities and Knee Braces

• Avoiding high risk activities and wearing a knee brace also prevents reinjury. Reinjuring the ACL increases the risk of a full ACL tear, which requires surgery.

  To avoid reinjury, do not participate in activities that requires jumping, pivoting or sudden knee or leg movement. Wearing a doctor recommended knee brace helps stabilize the knee. The doctor will custom fit the brace to ensure it stabilizes the knee properly.

Treatments for Children

• Knee braces and rehabilitation exercises are highly recommended by surgeons because the knee bone is still forming. Rehabilitation exercises can include physical therapy or learning new ways to move the knee without causing further stress. According to Health Magazine, avoiding activities requiring jumping or twisting motions are also recommended to prevent reinjury.