Common Knee Problems

Incomplete or Partial Tears of the Anterior Cruciate Ligament The ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) is one of the main stabilizing ligaments of the knee. If it becomes partially torn from an injury, there is a potential for the knee to be unstable, or to develop instability in the future. Rehabilitation and bracing alone may be satisfactory treatment for certain patients with incomplete ACL tears. Some patients may do quite well, even with the limitations imposed from the partial loss of this ligament.

However, a certain percentage of incomplete tears may require surgical reconstruction of the ACL. While an individual may still be able to walk, a physician's evaluation of the injury is necessary to prevent possible further damage. The knee's cartilage may become worn away over time, because of the improper positioning of the bones. The illustration on the left depicts a knee that has sustained a partial or incomplete tear of the ACL. A patient with this type of injury needs an evaluation by an orthopaedic surgeon with experience in the management of these types of injuries.