ACL Tear Specialist

North Texas Orthopaedic & Spine

Orthopaedic Surgery located in Plano, TX & Dallas, TX

As many as 200,000 people in the United States experience an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear every year. Proper treatment of this injury is necessary to prevent complications later down the line, such as osteoarthritis. The experienced team at North Texas Orthopaedic & Spine, with locations in Fort Worth, Duncanville, Allen, and the Dallas communities of South Hampton, specialize in the management of ACL tears and can develop a treatment that supports healing of your injury so you can get back to doing the things you love. For an evaluation, call the office nearest you today or request an appointment online.

ACL Tear Q & A

What is the ACL?

Your ACL is a major ligament in your knee that crosses the middle of your knee to connect your thighbone to your shinbone. This ligament assists in knee mobility and supports stability.

You may be at risk of an ACL tear if you engage in activities that put a lot of stress on your knees, such as basketball, football, or downhill skiing.

What are the symptoms of an ACL tear?

You may hear or feel a “pop” when you tear or injure your ACL. Other symptoms that may indicate an ACL tear include:

Rapid knee swelling
Inability to bear weight on the affected knee
Knee pain
Feeling as though your knee is “giving away”

If you think you have an ACL injury, contact the specialists at North Texas Orthopaedic & Spine as soon as possible so you can get the proper treatment to prevent further tearing. Without the right care, your ACL tear may increase your risk of developing osteoarthritis and chronic knee pain.

How is an ACL tear diagnosed?

Your specialist at North Texas Orthopaedic & Spine conducts a comprehensive examination of your knee to determine whether your injury is an ACL tear. In addition to a physical exam, your specialist also conducts various tests to assess knee health and function.

Diagnostic imaging, such as an X-ray or MRI, may also be needed to confirm a diagnosis.

What treatments can improve my ACL tear?

Treatment for your ACL tear depends on the severity of your tear. For a mild tear or sprain, your specialist may initially recommend RICE (rest, ice, compression, and elevation). Once your injury is stable, physical therapy for rehabilitation is required to help rebuild knee strength and stability.

For a severe tear, or if you’re an athlete, surgery may be necessary to repair the ACL injury and help you get back to doing the things you enjoy. Physical therapy is needed following surgery to assist in the healing process.

An ACL tear is a serious injury that requires medical attention. For an evaluation of your knee, call the experienced team at North Texas Orthopaedic & Spine today or book an appointment online.

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