ACL Tear

ACL Tear

What is ACL and How Does It Tear?

ACL tears are among the most common knee ligament injuries, especially in athletes. From Cheteshwar Pujara and Kieron Pollard to Tiger Woods, many top athletes have suffered this injury and returned to peak performance after surgery. The ACL (Anterior Cruciate Ligament) is one of the four major ligaments that connect the femur (thigh bone) to the tibia (leg bone). In our practice, the most common cause of ACL tears is road traffic accidents—particularly falls from two-wheelers.

What Symptoms Will I Have if I Have an ACL Tear?

Patients with an ACL tear often experience a "giving way" sensation in the knee, especially when going downstairs or stepping into a pothole. These episodes of instability are intensely painful. Interestingly, people with a completely torn ACL may feel normal and pain-free at rest, with symptoms appearing only during sudden knee movements or slips.

What Treatment Options Are Available for ACL Tears?

If untreated, a complete ACL tear can severely damage the knee, even in non-athletes. It often leads to further injury to the cartilage and menisci, which can accelerate early-onset arthritis. Arthroscopic ACL reconstruction surgery is typically required to restore knee stability and prevent long-term damage.