ACL Tear
An injury to the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is common in many sports, especially football. This ligament in the knee is key to stabilizing the joint and preventing excessive forward movement of the tibia.
ACL tears often occur when a player stops and suddenly turns, causing the knee to twist unnaturally.
When the ACL is torn, the player may need to undergo surgery to repair the ligament. Without proper treatment, a torn ACL can leave the knee unstable and put them at risk of further injury. Typically, the ligament must be repaired by using part of another ligament. Patients may then go through physical rehabilitation to restore strength and function to the knee.
Meniscus Tear
A meniscus tear can occur when the knee is bent and twisted. Each knee has two menisci: the medial meniscus (inside of the knee) and lateral meniscus (outside of the knee). They act as a shock absorber for the shinbone and thighbone, preventing pain and discomfort.
When torn, the type of treatment depends on the severity of the injury. We try to begin with conservative options such as medication and cold compresses. We can perform a knee arthroscopy if this does not relieve your symptoms.
A knee arthroscopy is a minimally invasive procedure that utilizes a small camera to get a visual of the injury so we can repair the injury or remove the damaged cartilage. Physical therapy is necessary to help strengthen the muscles that support the knee and ensure a proper recovery.
Contact Utah Orthopaedics
When you experience a sports-related knee injury, seeking treatment right away is vital. This increases your chances of making a full recovery and being able to return to the sport again.
Utah Orthopaedics uses state-of-the-art technology and techniques to ensure our patients receive high-quality care. We also take a conservative approach so that you’re not receiving any extensive, invasive treatments that are not necessary.
If you have been injured, contact our team today at 801-917-8001 to learn more.
