An ACL tear is a common knee injury, especially among athletes and active people of all ages. More than 150,000 people tear their ACL each year. The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) plays a key role in knee stability. When it’s injured or torn, it can make everyday activities difficult.
At Banner Health, we provide personalized care to help you heal and get back to doing what you love. Learn more about ACL tears, symptoms, treatment options and what to expect during recovery.
The ACL is one of the four major ligaments in the knee. Ligaments are strong bands of tissue that connect bones and help stabilize joints. The ACL connects the thigh bone (femur) to the shin bone (tibia) and helps control the knee’s forward movement and rotation. When the ACL is injured, the knee can feel unstable or give out during activity.
ACL injuries are classified as sprains or tears, and they are graded based on severity:
ACL injuries often happen during sports that involve sudden stops, jumps or quick changes in direction—like soccer, basketball, football, gymnastics or lacrosse.
Some people feel a sudden, sharp pain, while others have only mild discomfort. Common symptoms include:
If you think you’ve torn your ACL:
Make an appointment with a sports medicine or orthopedic specialist. Your provider will ask about your injury and examine your knee for signs of instability. They may order:
Initial care usually includes rest, ice and sometimes a brace to stabilize the knee. Physical therapy may be recommended to improve range of motion and reduce swelling.
Next steps depend on your lifestyle and goals:
ACL reconstruction typically uses tissue from your own body (autograft), such as a portion of the patellar tendon, quadriceps or hamstring. In some cases, donor tissue (allograft) may be used, but this is less effective in younger or highly active people.
After surgery, you’ll likely wear a knee brace and use crutches for about 3 to 4 weeks. Physical therapy usually begins soon after surgery to reduce swelling and restore movement.
Your recovery timeline:
Following your care team’s instructions and staying active in your rehab are key to a full recovery.
The risk of tearing the new graft is low—about 5%. Staying fit, strengthening your muscles and following your rehab plan can help reduce the risk of reinjury. Factors like age, activity level and graft type also affect your risk.
You can lower your risk of an ACL injury with the following strategies:
We’ll help you create the right plan to meet your athletic and fitness goals.
An ACL tear can feel like a setback—but we’re here to help you move forward. Banner Health offers:
Don’t let knee pain slow you down.