Orthopaedic Associates of Zanesville has one of the best Ohio sports medicine practices. One of the most common injuries treated at OAZ is a torn ACL. If you’ve experienced an injury, and your knee is popping, giving out or swelling, make an appointment to get an evaluation.

We have state-of-the art technology at OAZ to make diagnosis easy, including digital X-rays and orthopaedic MRIs.

Treatments for a torn ACL include both surgical and non-surgical options. In non-surgical treatment, progressive physical therapy and rehabilitation can restore the knee to a condition close to its pre-injury state and educate the patient on how to prevent instability. This may be supplemented with the use of a hinged knee brace. However, many people who choose not to have surgery may experience secondary injury to the knee due to repetitive instability episodes.

ACL surgeries have a 90% success rate. Reconstruction of the torn ligament is not a repair, but a replacement, which may come from tendons in the front of the leg, hamstrings or even donor tissue.

ACL reconstruction does not require a long hospital stay. Patients generally stay in the recovery room following surgery. Depending on the type of anesthetic that was used, it takes about one to two hours to recover enough to be able to sit up, eat some light food, use the bathroom (with crutches), and feel ready to go home. Hospital release usually takes place anywhere from between four to six hours after surgery to the next day.

OAZ’s Ohio sports medicine practice will work with patients for physical therapy treatment following the surgery. If you have questions, call us at 740-454-3273.