Expert Care for ACL Injury

Each year, more than 250,000 people in the U.S. suffer an injury involving the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in their knee.  If you or a loved one suffers from ACL damage, we can help. As an orthopaedic specialist, Dr. David Rudman can treat your ACL injury at our Bergen County office, serving patients throughout New York and New Jersey.

When you are injured and in pain, everything comes down to a search for relief. Your life does not stop, and neither do your responsibilities, but a serious injury can put you in the slow lane. We can help you get your life back on track. Contact our practice today to schedule a consultation.  

The ACL: A Closer Look

The knee is a hinged joint made up of the thigh bone (femur), the leg bone (tibia), and the knee cap (patella). There are four major ligaments that stabilize the knee; one on the inside, the medial collateral ligament (MCL), one on the outside, the lateral collateral ligament (LCL) and two in the middle that cross. The ligament in front is the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), and the one in the back is the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL). Each of these ligaments work together to stabilize the knee. The ACL is the primary stabilizer of anterior and rotational motion between the femur and the tibia.  

Common Symptoms

Many patients say that they hear and feel some kind of popping sensation in their knee when an ACL injury occurs. Pain, swelling and loss of motion are very common. Some patients will experience difficulty walking and feel that their knee is unstable. About half of all ACL injuries are associated with other injuries in the knee (e.g., meniscal tears).

Treatment Options

This is a common sports injury seen in football, basketball, soccer, and other sports requiring quick stopping and pivoting motions.  Some ACL tears are a result of a trip and fall or motor vehicle accident.  Damage to the ACL can be extremely painful and debilitating.  ACL tears do not heal on their own and frequently require surgical intervention in order for patients to return to an active lifestyle.  

The anterior cruciate ligament often needs to be reconstructed with a tissue graft. This tissue could be your own tissue (auto graft) or donor tissue (allograft). There are many graft choices and some of the most popular are the hamstring tendons, bone-patellar tendon-bone, and quadricep tendons. In pediatric patients with open growth plates, the Iliotibial band (ITB) may be used. With modern techniques, ACL reconstructions can  be completed almost entirely arthroscopically. The corrective surgery is the start of the recovery process and a individualized rehabilitation program will follow.

Learn More about Treating Your ACL Injury

If you have an ACL injury, or another knee injury, such as a torn meniscus or damage to your patella, we can help. Come and see why professional athletes and average people alike seek out Dr. Rudman for exceptional care. Contact us today to schedule an appointment with a leader in sports medicine.