ACL Surgeons in Nashville

The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is one of the bands of tissue that connects the femur, or thigh bone, to the tibia, or shin bone, in your knee joint. The ACL crosses the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) to form an X. Together, these ligaments control the back-and-forth motion of your knee.

When your knee experiences a great force or more stress than it can bear, an ACL tear or sprain may result.

There are three grades of ACL injury that depend on the severity of your tear:

Grade I: The ACL is sprained, but there is no tear. 

Grade II: The ACL is partially torn. 

Grade III: The ACL is completely torn, and provides no stability to the knee joint. 

Although ACL tears are often associated with recreational and professional athletes, they’re a common form of injury that can affect anyone. It’s not necessary to participate in a team sport or be highly active to end up with a torn ACL and need a visit with an ACL surgeon.

You may hear or feel a pop in your knee when you tear your ACL. Other signs and symptoms of an ACL tear include:

• Rapid swelling.
• Severe knee pain.
• Loss of full range of motion.
• Discomfort while walking.
• Instability or feeling like your knee is giving way.

It’s crucial to seek treatment right away if you experience an injury that causes signs or symptoms of a torn ACL. Returning to sports without proper treatment may result in further damage to your knee, such as a meniscus tear.

Though the idea of taking control of your health at home may sound appealing, it isn’t recommended if you suspect or know you have an ACL tear. If you think you have an ACL tear, schedule an appointment with one of our ACL surgeons in Nashville or Franklin, TN. 

The longer you wait to see an ACL tear surgeon, the worse your condition could become.

The ACL surgeons at Elite Sports Medicine and Orthopedics ask about your symptoms and medical history and perform a physical exam, checking all the structures of your injured knee. They may take imaging tests like an X-ray or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan to rule out other injuries and confirm a diagnosis.

The team at Elite Sports Medicine then creates an individualized treatment plan based on the severity of your ACL injury and your activity demands. 

If your knee is relatively stable and you have a low activity level, they may recommend non-surgical treatment like bracing and physical therapy.

An ACL tear won’t heal without surgery, so athletes who want to return to sports may need ACL reconstruction surgery. The ACL surgeons at Elite Sports Medicine and Orthopedics typically uses minimally invasive arthroscopy to perform ACL reconstruction surgery. After surgery, physical therapy is an essential part of your rehabilitation process.

Physical therapy is critical to help you regain full function after your ACL tear surgery. Without physical therapy, your body may not heal properly. 

Your physical therapist will maintain communication with your ACL tear specialist. That way, all your healthcare providers will be on the same page when it comes to your ACL tear treatment in Nashville.

Working with an ACL surgeon and following your recommended treatment plan is the best way to improve your post-repair outcomes. Many people who have torn their ACLs are able to go back to the sports and activities they enjoy.

It is important that you always follow your ACL surgeon and physical therapist’s instructions for returning to normal movement. In the months after ACL tear treatment, you need to be patient. While it may be difficult, patience is worth the effort.

Picking the right surgeon to repair your ACL tear is an important decision. You may want to get a referral from your primary care physician, or you might prefer to pick up the phone and call an ACL tear specialist in Nashville, TN, as recommended by a friend or neighbor.

During your initial appointment, be sure to ask the ACL tear surgeon about their experience performing ACL repair surgeries in the past. Remember that the relationship you have with your ACL tear specialist should be a comforting, positive one. It’s fine to make an appointment with a few specialists before deciding on one.

Every insurance plan is unique. Yours may cover some or all of your ACL tear treatment. Alternatively, you may have to pay a deductible before your plan covers a portion of the cost to repair your ACL. We accept over 30 types of insurance. Be sure to review our list of accepted insurance before scheduling an appointment with us. 

For advanced care of an ACL tear in Nashville or Franklin, TN, call Elite Sports Medicine and Orthopedics or book an appointment with a Nashville knee doctor online today.