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ACL Tear

Phoenix Orthopedic Group Robert A. Mileski, MD Our Services ACL Tear
Robert A. Mileski, MD - - Sports Medicine Doctor

Phoenix Orthopedic Group

Robert A. Mileski, MD

Sports Medicine Doctor & Orthopedic Surgeon located in Scottsdale, AZ

Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears in the knee can be painful and debilitating. At Phoenix Orthopedic Group in Scottsdale, Arizona, board-certified orthopedic surgeon Robert Mileski, MD, and his staff use technical expertise and decades of experience to repair tears and restore knee function with ACL reconstruction surgery. Call Phoenix Orthopedic Group to learn more or schedule an appointment online today.

ACL Tear Q & A

What is an ACL tear?

ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) tears occur when your ACL, a main stabilizing ligament in your knee, partially or completely tears. When this happens you might hear a popping noise or experience knee swelling. ACL tears are caused by:

  • Cutting and changing directions suddenly
  • Stopping suddenly
  • Landing awkwardly after jumping
  • Receiving a blow to the knee

Walking or running on uneven surfaces can also cause ACL and other knee injuries. Competitive sports like basketball, football, and soccer also carry the risk of ACL damage.

What are the symptoms of an ACL tear?

If you experience an ACL tear you might immediately notice something is wrong due to:

  • A popping sound during the injury
  • Knee swelling
  • Knee pain or tenderness
  • Instability
  • Your knee “giving out”
  • Loss of full range of motion
  • Discomfort while walking

If you experience any of these symptoms, seek medical attention from Phoenix Orthopedic Group as soon as possible to prevent the injury from getting worse and avoid complications.

How are ACL tears treated?

At Phoenix Orthopedic Group, Dr. Mileski and his team evaluate your ACL by reviewing your medical history and physically examining your knee. They may also perform imaging tests to determine the extent of your injury and properly diagnose an ACL tear. Treatment varies based on injury severity, general health, and desired outcomes. Options include:

Non-surgical treatments

Dr. Mileski recommends non-surgical treatments when possible, which might include icing your knee, wearing a brace, platelet-rich plasma (PRP) or regenerative injections, cortisone injections, or physical therapy.

Knee surgery

Dr. Mileski may suggest arthroscopic ACL reconstruction if your knee injury is severe, interferes with your everyday activities, or prevents you from playing sports.

During surgery, Dr. Mileski reconstructs your ACL by replacing the torn ligament with a healthy tendon from your knee, hamstring, or quadriceps or from a donor. After surgery, it might take six months or longer before you can resume playing sports. During this time you complete rehabilitation with a physical therapist and regularly visit Phoenix Orthopedic Group to monitor your progress.

If you suspect an ACL tear, call Phoenix Orthopedic Group today or use the online scheduler to book a consultation.

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