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Does an ACL Injury Require Surgery?

Photo: Basketball player

If you watch or play sports, you may be aware of how often ACL injuries can occur during recreation. The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is one of the two major ligaments that help to stabilize the knee. If damaged or torn, the ACL can cause a great deal of pain and severely reduced mobility. Many professional athletes undergo ACL reconstruction to repair this ligament at some point in their careers. However, not everyone who experiences an ACL injury will need an operation. Our experienced orthopaedic surgeon, Dr. John Hoffman, offers a wide range of surgical and non-surgical treatment options, and he will provide customized care based on your singular needs.

Depending on the severity of your injury, Dr. Hoffman typically will recommend trying conservative techniques before suggesting a more advanced option. If the ACL injury is mild to moderate, non-surgical methods offer many benefits. Some examples of treatments include rest, anti-inflammatory medication, physical therapy, a knee brace, or cortisone injections. One or more of these methods may alleviate your pain and restore function with time. If your condition worsens, however, Dr. hoffman may suggest surgery. At Orthopaedic Specialists, we utilize advanced minimally invasive surgical modalities that are designed to reduce downtime and enhance mobility as safely as possible.