ACL Injury

ACL Injury Overview

The ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) is an important ligament that helps stabilize the knee in twisting and pivoting sports. Unfortunately it is commonly injured. When the ACL is torn, it usually requires surgical treatment

The ACL is critical to knee stability, strength and mobility, and is generally injured when the knee is sharply twisted or extended beyond its normal range of motion. People who experience an anterior cruciate ligament tear often complain of the following symptoms:

A popping sound that comes from inside the knee
Feelings that the knee is giving away
Immediate, intense knee pain
Swelling, stiffness and bruising

Trauma to the ACL is typically caused during competitive athletic activity (such as soccer or football) and is also commonly seen during recreational sports (such as water and snow skiing). The ACL can also be injured from falls and other traumatic accidents. Women are at a higher risk for ACL injuries. In fact, competitive female soccer and basketball players have 3-5 times higher risk of ACL injury than their male counterparts. Strength, size and hormonal changes are notable factors that contribute to this increased risk.

Have you sustained an ACL injury?

There are two ways to initiate a consultation with Dr. Millett:

You can provide current X-rays and/or MRIs for a clinical case review ($250).

You can schedule an office consultation with Dr. Millett.

Request Case Review or Office Consultation

ACL Injury Grading System

Many, but not all, ACL injuries will require surgical intervention. It depends on the grade of the ACL injury. Dr. Millett will perform a Lachman test and a Pivot Shift Test to pinpoint how much the tibia (lower leg bone) moves in relation to the femur (upper leg bone). Pain, swelling, and muscle spasms in the early stages of an ACL injury may make it difficult to determine how much instability is occurring. Dr. Millett will also evaluate the knee with an X-ray and MRI.

An ACL knee injury typically is diagnosed in ranges from mild to severe:

Grade I – A Grade 1 ACL knee injury will include some moderate trauma to the ligament—meaning that some of the fibers are stretched leading to a sprain. There will be some pain and swelling, but this injury can heal on its own through rest, the use of ice and anti-inflammatory medications, and therapeutic knee exercises.

Grade II – A Grade 2 ACL knee injury will include more extensive damage to the ligament fibers. Symptoms will be more severe. This injury is commonly referred to as an ACL ‘partial tear’ and will sometimes require surgery.

Grade III – A Grade 3 ACL knee injury is the most severe ACL injury and represents a complete anterior cruciate ligament tear, where the fibers of the knee ligament are completely torn in half. In active patients, this type of ACL injury will almost always require surgical treatment.

Anterior Cruciate Ligament Tear Treatment

Non-Surgical

If a person has injured their ACL, but does not experience knee instability and does not have the need to use their ACL for sports or other daily activities, physical therapy and bracing may be enough to heal the injury. Dr. Millett will consider how old the knee injury is, how old the patient is, and the types of activities the patient enjoys.

The common recommendation for immediate treatment of an ACL injury is the well-known rule of RICE:

R: Rest the knee by using crutches and keeping weight off of it

I: Ice the knee

C: Compress the knee with a wrap

E: Elevate the leg

Surgical

If more than one ligament in the knee has been torn, if the ACL tear is a full tear (grade 3), or if there are signs of ongoing knee instability, pain and swelling, ACL surgery may be recommended. In most cases, if the individual is active and participating in sports with a pivoting nature (such as soccer, tennis, skiing or football) surgery will be recommended to treat the injury so that the athlete can play his or her sport again. In these instances, reconstructive ACL surgery is the best option.

An ACL reconstruction is a surgical procedure—almost always performed arthroscopically with several small incisions. The procedure involves removing the damaged ACL and replacing it with another soft tissue, called a graft. Dr. Millett will usually prefer to use a patient’s own tissue for the graft. The patient’s own tissue heals faster and reduces other known risks. In patients who are older, have had prior knee injuries, or who may not have sufficient tissue for grafting, an allograft (cadaver ligament) might be a better choice. An allograft uses tissue donated by an individual at the time of death.

There are many types of devices used to secure the graft to the bone. The graft is usually secured by screws and or buttons, The type of graft and the anatomic factors will determine the fixation technique.

ACL reconstruction can either be performed in an out-patient setting, or as an in-patient procedure with an overnight hospital stay. Dr. Millett usually prefers for his patients to stay overnight to make sure the patient stays as comfortable as possible.

Physical therapy after the injury and surgery is crucial to help restore strength and motion. Dr. Millett will provide the patient with a detailed set of rehabilitation exercises and a weekly protocol.

Peter Millett, MD

Average rating:

39 reviews

Alexandra Thompson

Mar 23, 2024

by Alexandra Thompson on Peter Millett, MD

110%

Dr. Millett and his team did a SLAP tear repair and bicep tenodesis on my left shoulder. I use my arms as an artist, and love to swim in the ocean, surf, paddle, and telemark ski. So regaining full use of my shoulder and keeping my bicep attached was very important to me. Now, over two years later, my shoulder has the equivalent range of motion as my other arm and as before the injury, and no pain. After the first three months it felt so good and was so strong that - to my horror - I completely forgot my six-month follow-up.

Not only did Dr. Millett and his team make my arm as good as new, but having had the experience of such kindness and expertise throughout the process of surgery and recovery is like an added shoulder superpower.

Thank you Rita, Brooke, Jason, Sarah, Camille, Olivia, Dr. Millett and everyone! And see you soon when my husband comes in for his knee...

Jeff Chandler

Jan 31, 2022

by Jeff Chandler on Peter Millett, MD

Flawless procedure, Easy recovery

Dr. Millet's repaired my knee and tibia, following a botched operation by a different surgeon. That procedure was virtually pain free and I was weight bearing within a few days. That was 18 years ago and the knee is still strong. A few years after the knee incident, Dr Millet repaired my shoulder. My insurance company approved me for 3 months of disability following that surgery. I was off pain medication in 2 days and had 90% range of motion within a week. I withdrew my disability claim and returned to work within two weeks of surgery. I’m not a famous athlete—just a regular guy. Nonetheless, I was treated like an NFL at the Steadman clinic. Most notable was the time for recovery. Other surgeons perform their hour-long task in the OR and don’t involve themselves in the other functions. Peter and his team manages the entire process from diagnosis, anesthesia, nursing care, and therapy. He takes a holistic approach to patient care and doesn’t skip any steps.

Jenn West

Jul 2, 2021

by Jenn West on Peter Millett, MD

Saved My Life

I went to Dr. Millett after 7 knee surgeries (6 on my right and 1 on my left) and had seen 11 different surgeons who all refused to remove femur metal from my right leg. I am highly allergic to metal and the chronic pain was leaving me bedridden for 3.5wks out of a month. He personally wrote me back on my inquiry, listened to my concerns, scheduled my surgery within a week (due to insurance issues) and personally followed up with my recovery. The level of patient care from Dr. Millett and his ENTIRE team is above any care I have ever received in my 20 years of dealing with orthopedic surgeons. There are not enough words to describe the level of care, dedication and professionalism you receive from Dr. Millett and his staff.
My only disappointment is that I did not find him sooner!!!