The anterior cruciate ligament, better known as the ACL, is one of four ligaments that hold the knee together. The ACL is also one of the most easily—and commonly—injured parts of the knee, especially for athletes. This type of injury frequently occurs in athletes who participate in high impact sports like football, basketball, hockey, and soccer. But, it can also happen even without impact from another player.

Symptoms of an ACL tear include:

• Pain

• Swelling

• Instability of the knee

• Loss of full range of motion

Approximately 200,000 ACL injuries occur every year in the United States, and on average, about half of those require ACL reconstruction surgery because once torn, ACLs generally cannot be repaired.

ACL reconstruction surgery is performed through a small incision in the front of the knee, it includes removing the torn ligament and replacing it with a new tendon, which can be taken from another part of the knee. It’s an outpatient procedure, so patients get to go home in the same day.

For more information, call 251-410-3600.

AOC, comebacks start here.