Question: How is an ACL injury treated?
Answer: Initially, all ACL injuries are treated the same way. Immediate treatment recommendations include the common musculoskeletal injury protocol of RICE:

Rest: Keeping weight off the injured knee by using crutches Ice: Applied to the knee to decrease pain and swelling

Compression: Wrapping the knee to decrease pain and reduce swelling Elevation: Keeping the leg above the level of the heart

The aim of the above measures is to decrease swelling within the knee joint, which will in turn help with pain control. In some instances of intense swelling, the physician may elect to drain the knee joint in an effort to improve patient comfort.

After the acute injury symptoms have subsided to more acceptable levels of patient comfort, and a formal diagnosis has been established, the orthopaedist will decide which treatment option is best for the patient. This decision is based on the patient's specific injury and level of activity.

Factors which need to be considered regarding treatment choices are:

How old is the knee injury?
How old is the patient?
What is the patient's activity level and what are the demands on the knee?
Does recurrent instability exist?
What does the patient desire for future activity levels?
Can the patient comply with post-operative rehabilitation? Do associated injuries exist which need to be addressed?

Ultimately, only two choices exist for treatment options after ACL injuries: Nonoperative treatment: Rehabilitation with and without Bracing Onerative treatment: Reconstructive Surnerv