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 NJ knee doctor Robert A. Kayal, MD specializes in sports medicine, including the treatment and repair of knee injuries to the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). While female athletes are more prone to ACL injuries than male athletes, ACL injuries are fairly common in both genders. As a knee stabilizer, the ACL is placed at risk during basketball, hockey, soccer, and other sports requiring running, kicking and sharp turns. In total, more than 60,000 ACL reconstructions are performed in the U.S. each year.
About Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) Injuries
The ACL is a ligament that connects the femur (thighbone) with the tibia (shinbone). ACL injuries occur when a patient’s knee is hyperextended (over-straightened), twisted or forced to the side. Symptoms may include knee buckling, weakness, pain, swelling or joint instability, and may be caused by a partial or total tear of the ligament. In some cases, the ligament tears away a piece of the bone, resulting in an “avulsion fracture.” It is also fairly common for ACL tears to be accompanied by other knee injuries, such as cartilage, meniscus or other ligament damage.
ACL Injury Treatment at Kayal Orthopaedic Center, PC
Diagnosing an ACL tear requires a thorough medical history and examination, and may also require an x-ray or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the knee joint. Partially torn ACLs may be rehabilitated with physical therapy, rest and anti-inflammatory medication. Severe or total tears, however, do not typically heal well without intervention. If a patient wishes to return to sports and normal activities, surgical treatment may be recommended. ACL surgery consists of replacing the ligament with a substitute tendon graft, which stabilizes the knee and reduces or eliminates pain. ACL surgery may be done arthroscopically—through small incisions—to reduce scarring and expedite rehabilitation.
If you’ve suffered several knee injuries due to an accident or sports-related trauma, ACL surgery may be more extensive. Dr. Robert A. Kayal and his team of knee specialists will examine your injury and tailor a treatment plan to suit your lifestyle and recovery needs.
Cutting-Edge Sports Medicine Treatment
Kayal Orthopaedic Center, PC serves patients in two convenient office locations: Franklin Lakes, NJ and Ridgewood, NJ. Our award-winning knee surgeons provide sports medicine expertise for knee injuries, shoulder injuries, hip injuries and more, and cater to patients in Hudson County, Bergen County, Passaic County and Essex County. To learn more about ACL damage, inquire about billing and insurance or schedule an appointment, contact our New Jersey orthopedic practice today. |
