ACL Knee Surgery & Injury Treatment

ACL Knee Surgery & Injury Treatment

Injuries to the anterior cruciate ligaments (ACL) are the most common knee injuries, especially for athletes. If you have an ACL sprain or tear, you may require ACL knee surgery in Beverly Hills & Los Angeles to restore the full function of your knee.

ACL Knee Surgery & Injury Treatment

Injury Symptoms

The ACL provides strong support of the knee and helps to limit rotation and forward movement of the tibia. However, any sudden twist or change of direction can cause it to sprain or tear. Some of the symptoms of ACL injury include:

  • Hearing or feeling a “pop” coming from the knee
  • Tenderness along the joint line
  • Pain and swelling
  • Reduced range of motion

ACL Knee Treatment

TDr. Rajan M. Patel will perform a thorough examination to determine the severity of your knee injury. This assessment may include a medical history review, an exam, and imaging tests, such as X-rays and MRI scan.

Following an ACL tear, the injured knee will likely be swollen, weak, painful, and have limited mobility. Generally, most kinds of joint injuries can benefit from rest, elevation, and applying an ice pack for about 20 minutes at 2-hour intervals. You can also use a tensor bandage for compression during the day.

As the swelling and pain decrease, Dr. Rajan M. Patel may recommend gentle exercise and stretching to help you regain full range of motion before your ACL reconstruction surgery. Exercise is important before surgery in order to restore strength in the muscles close to the injured joint. This will in turn facilitate faster recovery post-surgery.

Surgical Treatments for ACL Knee Injury

Treatment for ACL knee injury varies from patient to patient. For instance, conservative (non-surgical treatments) may be sufficient for older, less active individuals. But they cannot heal a torn ACL. For young athletes who want to regain their agility in sport, reconstructive surgery is the only way to repair the ligaments and restore knee stability.

ACL restoration typically involves replacing the torn ligament with a tissue graft (taken from any part of your body) to act as a scaffolding where the new ligament will grown on. The procedure is minimally invasive, which means less pain and faster recovery.

ACL Knee Surgery Recovery

Before your ACL knee surgery, Dr. Rajan M. Patel may recommend an exercise program to restore strength and mobility in the injured knee, improve balance, and reduce the risk of post-operative stiffness. You will also be required to perform light exercises (the intensity will gradually increase as you heal) in your postoperative rehabilitation program for 4-6 months. Athletes should be able to resume running at 8 weeks, agilities and plyometrics by 12 weeks, and sport at 4-6 months.

ACL Knee Surgeon Beverly Hills & Los Angeles

Dr. Rajan M. Patel is one of the leading ACL knee surgeons in Beverly Hills & Los Angeles. It is important that you be compliant with the pre- and post-operative rehabilitation to prevent early failure of the ACL, and allow faster recovery.

It takes several weeks of conservative treatment before you’re ready for ACL minimally invasive surgery. Please schedule an appointment with Dr. Rajan M. Patel at your earliest convenience to avoid delaying your ACL knee injury treatment in Beverly Hills and Los Angeles.

“Our goal is to treat you with the best quality care to ensure optimal health for your hips, knees & shoulders.”

- Rajan M. Patel, MD
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