The anterior cruciate ligament helps stabilize the knee during pivoting, cutting, landing, and sudden changes in direction. When the ACL is stretched or torn, the knee may become painful, swollen, and unstable, making it difficult to return to sports or even complete certain everyday movements confidently.
Dr. Brian Cohen has mentored more than 100 surgeons in advanced orthopedic techniques and provides individualized ACL injury treatment in Columbus, OH. Depending on the severity of the tear, knee stability, associated injuries, and the patient’s goals, care may involve focused rehabilitation, ACL repair in selected cases, or reconstruction.
What Is the ACL?
The anterior cruciate ligament is one of four primary ligaments that help stabilize the knee. The medial collateral ligament and lateral collateral ligament are located along the sides of the knee and help control excessive side-to-side movement. The ACL and posterior cruciate ligament are located inside the joint and help control forward-and-backward movement.
The ACL runs diagonally through the center of the knee. It helps prevent the tibia from moving too far forward in relation to the femur and contributes to rotational stability.
An ACL tear may occur by itself or along with damage to the meniscus, articular cartilage, or other knee ligaments.
Diagnosing an Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injury
Diagnosis begins with a discussion of how the injury occurred, when swelling developed, and whether the knee feels unstable or gives way. Dr. Cohen or one of his sports medicine colleagues will examine the knee for tenderness, swelling, range of motion, strength, and abnormal movement.
Specific physical examination tests can often identify ACL instability. X-rays may be ordered to check for fractures or other bone injuries, while an MRI can provide more detail about the ACL, meniscus, cartilage, and surrounding ligaments.
ACL Reconstruction
ACL Primary Repair Using the TightRope® RT Implant with InternalBrace™ Ligament Augmentation
ACL Injury Causes and Risk Factors
ACL injuries often occur during movements that place sudden rotational or forward stress on the knee, including:
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Rapidly slowing down and changing direction
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Stopping suddenly
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Pivoting while the foot remains planted
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Landing awkwardly from a jump
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Hyperextending the knee
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Sustaining a collision or direct blow
ACL injuries are common in sports that involve cutting, jumping, pivoting, or contact, including soccer, football, basketball, gymnastics, and skiing.
Additional risk factors may include:
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Poor landing or cutting mechanics
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Reduced strength or neuromuscular control
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Muscle imbalances
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Previous ACL injury
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Certain anatomical and hormonal factors
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Playing surfaces or footwear that create excessive traction
Female athletes experience ACL tears at higher rates than male athletes in several comparable sports, although risk varies according to anatomy, movement patterns, training, and sport participation.
ACL Injury Symptoms
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Hearing or feeling a pop at the time of the injury
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Sudden knee pain
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Rapid swelling within the first several hours
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Difficulty continuing the activity
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Reduced range of motion
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Trouble bearing weight
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A feeling that the knee may buckle or give way
Symptoms vary, and some patients can still walk after an ACL tear. Persistent swelling, instability, or difficulty using the knee should be evaluated.
ACL Treatment Options
After a suspected ACL injury, temporarily limiting activity, applying ice, using compression, and elevating the knee may help reduce pain and swelling. Patients who cannot bear weight, have significant swelling, or feel that the knee is unstable should seek an orthopedic evaluation.
Not every ACL tear requires surgery. Nonsurgical care may be appropriate for patients whose knees remain functionally stable, who participate in lower-demand activities, or who prefer to avoid an operation.
Treatment may include:
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A cast, brace, or knee immobilizer
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Crutches, a walker, or a wheelchair
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Temporary limits on weight-bearing
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Pain-relieving medication
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Follow-up X-rays to monitor alignment and healing
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Physical therapy as the fracture stabilizes
Dr. Cohen recommends treatment based on the severity of the injury, knee stability, associated damage, activity level, and long-term goals.
ACL Surgery and Rehabilitation
ACL surgery may be considered when the knee remains unstable, the patient wants to return to pivoting or cutting sports, or the injury involves the meniscus, cartilage, or other ligaments.
ACL reconstruction replaces the torn ligament with a tendon graft. The graft may come from the patient’s own tissue, known as an autograft, or from screened donor tissue, known as an allograft. In selected cases involving a repairable tear near the ligament’s attachment, primary ACL repair may be considered.
Rehabilitation is essential whether treatment is surgical or nonsurgical. After surgery, physical therapy gradually restores motion, reduces swelling, rebuilds strength, and improves balance and movement control. Return to sports is based on healing and functional progress rather than time alone.
Why Choose Dr. Cohen?
OVER 25+ YEARS OF EXPERIENCE
One of the first orthopedic surgeons employed by a large hospital. Dr. Cohen spent 20 years.
TRUSTED BY OVER 100,000+ PATIENTS WORLDWIDE
Over his distinguished career, Dr. Cohen has cultivated a reputation of excellence and trust among his patients and his peers.
UTILIZING THE LATEST TECHNOLOGY
To achieve the best surgical outcomes, Dr. Cohen uses the most advanced technologies and techniques, keeping his practice state-of-the-art.
PATIENT SAFETY IS TOP PRIORITY
An individualized, patient-focused process coupled with decades of training and experience helps ensure maximum safety for all of Dr. Cohen’s patients.
ACL Injury Care in Columbus, OH
An ACL injury can affect knee stability during sports, exercise, and everyday movement. Dr. Cohen evaluates the severity of the tear, associated knee damage, activity goals, and response to rehabilitation before recommending treatment. While some patients can recover without surgery, ACL repair or reconstruction may be appropriate when instability continues, or the patient plans to return to demanding activities. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Brian Cohen, call ((614) 788-0375.
