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  • Q&A with Australian Health Practitioners

    What are the treatment options for an ACL Tear?

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  • Mr Austin Vo is a highly qualified Melbourne trained Orthopaedic Surgeon with expertise in all aspects of shoulder and knee surgery. His international subspecialty training … View Profile

    Treatment options include both nonsurgical and surgical methods. If the overall stability of the knee is intact, your doctor may recommend nonsurgical methods. Nonsurgical treatment consists of rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE protocol); all assist in controlling pain and swelling. Physiotherapy may be recommended to improve knee motion and strength. A knee brace may be needed to help immobilise your knee.

    Young athletes involved in pivoting sports will most likely require surgery to safely return to sports. The usual surgery for an ACL tear is an ACL reconstruction which tightens your knee and restores its stability. Surgery to reconstruct an ACL is done with an arthroscope using small incisions. Your doctor will replace the torn ligament with a tissue graft that can be obtained from your hamstring muscle or knee (patellar tendon). Following ACL reconstruction, a rehabilitation program is started to help you to resume a wider range of activities.

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