What Orthopedic Surgeon Specializes in Treating ACL Tears?

The ACL tear is a common knee injury that occurs in athletes and active people. This type of injury can have a major impact on your mobility and quality of life. ACL tears can occur during sports such as soccer or skiing, or even after an awkward step off a curb. If you injure your knee and suddenly feel it is unstable, one of the most important decisions you can make is to see the right orthopedic surgeon.

The best specialist to diagnose and treat ACL tears is a sports medicine orthopedic surgeon. These surgeons are specially trained in nonsurgical and minimally invasive ways of treating ligament injuries. They are trained to diagnose ACL injuries and help patients return safely to work, sports, and daily activities through individualized treatment and rehabilitation.

Dr. Daniel Feghhi is a board certified, fellowship trained orthopedic surgeon at DF Ortho MD who specializes in sports related knee injuries including ACL tears. Being patient-first means a focus on accurate diagnosis, personalized treatment regimens, and where possible, minimally invasive procedures to allow for faster recovery and less postoperative pain.

What Is an ACL Tear?

The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is one of four major ligaments that stabilize your knee joint. It connects your thigh bone (femur) to your shin bone (tibia) and stops your knee from moving too far forward and rotating.

You're most likely to injure your ACL during activities that involve:

• Abrupt stops and turns
• Awkward jumping and landing
• Twisting the knee
• In sports, physical contact
• Accidents or falls

ACL tears are common among athletes, but they can affect people of any age and activity level.

In general, there are three grades of ACL injury:

• Grade I: Slight ligament stretch
• Grade II: Complete tear
• Grade III: Complete rupture of the ligament

The treatment plan that works best depends on how serious the injury is.

Common Symptoms of an ACL Tear

Immediate ACL injury symptoms should not be ignored. Many patients realize immediately that something is very wrong when the injury occurs.

The common symptoms are:

The sensation of popping

Many people report hearing or feeling a loud "pop" when the ligament tear occurs.

Acute Pain

The pain comes on quickly, and may make it difficult or impossible to continue physical activity.

Rapid Swelling

Usually the blood collects in the knee joint and swelling occurs within a few hours.

Unstable Knee

A feeling that your knee might "give out" when you walk or change direction is one of the hallmark signs of an ACL tear.

Limited Range of Motion

You may find it painful and difficult to bend or straighten your knee due to swelling and stiffness in the joint.

If you develop these symptoms following a knee injury, prompt evaluation by an orthopedic surgeon is important. Detecting these early provides better treatment results and prevents further damage to the cartilage or meniscus.

How Is an ACL Tear Diagnosed?

A veteran orthopedic surgeon will not depend on symptoms alone.

A complete evaluation usually involves:

• A review of how the injury occurred
• Physical examination of knee stability
• Specific ligament stability tests, such as the Lachman test
• X-rays to rule out fractures
• MRI to confirm ACL tear and determine if other structures are injured.

A good diagnosis will help you determine whether conservative treatment or surgery is the best option for you in your particular situation.

Non-Surgical Treatments for ACL Tears

Not every ACL injury needs surgery. Some patients are successfully treated conservatively especially in partial tears, less activity requirements or little knee instability.

Physiotherapy

Treatment without surgery will typically start with physiotherapy.

The aim of a structured rehabilitation program is to:

• Restore range of motion
• Strengthening of the quadriceps and hamstring muscles
• Improved balance
• Enhanced knee stability
• Preparing patients to safely resume their normal activities

Change of Activity

During the healing process, patients may be asked to avoid sports or activities that involve pivoting, jumping or quickly changing direction.

Bracing - Knee

A functional knee brace can provide additional support during recovery and help with feelings of instability.

Pain Management

Treatment options include:

• Ice or cold therapy
• Drugs which are anti-inflammatory
• Compression
• Elevation
• Activity modification and short-term rest.

Lifestyle Modifications

People who do not play high impact sports regularly may be able to have conservative management and live comfortably without surgery.

Before recommending non-surgical treatment, an orthopedic surgeon will consider your age, activity level, occupation, general health and long-term goals.

Surgical Treatments for ACL Tears

Complete ACL tears, marked instability or if the patient wishes to return to sport are often candidates for surgical reconstruction.

ACL Reconstruction

The ACL has a limited blood supply, unlike some ligaments, and usually cannot heal itself after a complete tear.

Instead of repairing the torn ligament, surgeons usually do an ACL reconstruction, where they use a tendon graft to replace the damaged ligament.

Graft options are:

• Patellar tendon grafts
• Hamstring Graft
• Quadriceps tendon graft
• Tissue from a donor (allograft) in selected patients.

Your best graft depends on many factors such as your age, lifestyle, athletic goals and overall health.

Minimally Invasive Arthroscopic Surgery

Modern ACL reconstruction is typically performed using arthroscopic techniques.

This minimally invasive procedure consists of:

• Little cuts
• A small camera in the knee
• Special surgical equipment
• Less disruption to the surrounding tissues

Possible benefits of minimally invasive ACL surgery include:

• Less scars
• Less post-operative pain
• Complications less likely
• Quicker initial recovery
• Less hospital time

Dr. Daniel Feghhi has a particular interest in the use of advanced arthroscopic techniques and minimally invasive sports medicine procedures that enable patients to rehabilitate safely while preserving as much healthy tissue as possible.

How Long Does It Take to Recover from an ACL Tear?

Recovery is dependent on:

• Degree of injury
• If you require an operation
• Age of patient
• General health
• Dedication to physical therapy

Healing times may vary from person to person, but here's a typical timeline:

First couple weeks

The first objective is to reduce swelling, manage pain, restore motion, and initiate gentle strengthening exercises.

6-12 weeks

Patients rebuild their muscle strength, improve their balance and restore knee function under supervision.

Three to six months

Many people resume their normal daily activities and continue progressive strengthening exercises.

Six Months to Twelve Months

Many athletes require additional rehabilitation to safely return to sports that involve cutting, pivoting and jumping.

Following your surgeon's prescribed rehabilitation plan is as important as the surgery itself. Returning to sports too soon may increase the risk of reinjury.

Finding the Right Orthopedic Surgeon for ACL Tears

Choosing the right orthopedic surgeon can have a major impact on your recovery and long-term knee function.

Look for a surgeon who offers:

Fellowship Training in Sports Medicine

Additional fellowship training provides specialized expertise in treating ligament injuries and athletic knee conditions.

Extensive Experience with ACL Injuries

A surgeon who frequently performs ACL reconstruction is often better equipped to manage both straightforward and complex cases.

Expertise in Minimally Invasive Techniques

Arthroscopic procedures typically provide excellent visualization while minimizing tissue damage and promoting quicker recovery.

Personalized Treatment Plans

Every ACL injury is different. The best orthopedic surgeons recommend treatment based on your individual goals rather than using a one-size-fits-all approach.

Comprehensive Rehabilitation Support

Successful ACL treatment extends beyond surgery. Ongoing rehabilitation, patient education, and follow-up care are essential for achieving the best outcome.

Why Patients Choose Dr. Daniel Feghhi

Dr. Daniel Feghhi offers complete ACL injury care in New Jersey, from diagnosis to rehabilitation.

Dr. Feghhi is a board certified orthopedic surgeon with fellowship training in sports medicine and minimally invasive knee surgery. He believes in shared decision making and takes the time to ensure each patient understands their diagnosis and treatment options before moving forward. Surgery is only considered if it offers the best chance of restoring stability and knee function. Always first try conservative treatment.

Final Thoughts

An ACL tear can be frustrating, but it doesn't have to keep you from returning to the things you love. If physical therapy or minimally invasive ACL reconstruction is part of your treatment, an early evaluation by a skilled orthopedic surgeon will give you the best chance of a successful recovery.

If you have a recent knee injury, or you're suffering from instability, swelling or ongoing pain, don't wait for the problem to get worse. An orthopedic specialist in sports medicine, such as Dr. Daniel Feghhi, can assess your injury, help you explore treatment options, and develop a personalized recovery plan so you can get back to moving confidently.