The ACL, or anterior cruciate ligament, is a ligament in the knee that is commonly torn. The ACL is one of four ligaments that attach the thighbone, or femur, to the shinbone, or tibia. When this ligament is partially torn, a patient will notice pain, swelling, stiffness and instability in the knee. Partial ACL tears are commonly caused during sports and fitness activities that involve a lot of pivoting and jumping. Treatments for a partially torn ACL are generally conservative; however, surgery may be necessary in some cases.
Medications
MayoClinic.com states that medications may be given to a patient with a partial ACL tear. Specifically, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as Aleve, Advil or Motrin, are recommended to reduce pain and swelling in the injured knee. These medications reduce chemicals in the knee that are responsible for pain and swelling. Thus, taking these medications as directed may provide significant symptoms relief. Patients with heart, kidney, stomach or liver problems should consult a doctor before taking these medications.
Physical Therapy
The American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons (AAOS) states that physical therapy may be an effective treatment for a partially torn ACL. Physical therapy can restore stability in the knee, and help the patient return to activities that he used to perform before the injury. Furthermore, a physical therapist will teach a patient how to prevent a future ACL tear. A home exercise program may also be given that will allow the patient to continue performing exercises that strengthen muscles around the knee in order to provide continuing stability. Often a hinged knee brace is given to the patient to provide increased stability, particularly if the patient is an active athlete.
Surgery
Although a patient may have a partial tear, surgery may be recommended if the partial tear is associated with damage to other structures in the knee, or if the patient is an athlete who is anxious to return to activity. In this case, a surgeon will likely perform arthroscopic surgery. Arthroscopic surgery involves small incisions into the knee in which a small camera and small surgical tools are inserted. The surgeon then stitches the partially torn ACL together and repairs other damaged tissues in the knee. Risks of surgery include infection, excessive bleeding, bone damage and nerve damage.
