ACL Repair Is Possible Without Surgery
An ACL injury can be serious since the ligament provides stability to a critical joint in the body. The ligament is responsible for steadying the knee during movement. An ACL injury is more prevalent in people living active lifestyles, like athletes. Stopping short, suffering a direct blow on the side of the knee, and even over-extension are common causes of damaging the ligament. Serious athletes are encouraged to prioritize surgery as the first treatment method. For most people, noninvasive or minimally invasive solutions are the primary options.
Treating ACL tears at home
If the ACL injury is minor, invasive treatments may not be necessary. Typically, at-home interventions are preferred, with the rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE) method being a proven way to reduce swelling and inflammation. Physical therapy can also help people regain knee strength and learn how to move properly to avoid future repeat injuries. Many individuals may also benefit from supportive devices like knee braces for added stability. However, some people may take longer to heal or need medical interventions, which can only be provided in an outpatient setting.
Modern ACL repair solutions
To avoid surgery, many healthcare providers may recommend regenerative treatments that are proven to be effective, are minimally invasive, and reduce the risk of complications associated with methods used in the past. Specifically, ACL grafts that used donor tissue to repair the ligaments in the knee have somewhat fallen out of favor. Common concerns from grafting involved tissue rejection, recurring damage at the injury site, or an increased risk of developing osteoarthritis in the knee within 7-14 years after the treatment was performed. Instead, ACL regeneration is a popular alternative.
What is ACL regeneration?
Unlike a skin graft, which requires adding foreign tissue to a damaged ACL ligament, a regenerative ACL repair works at the cellular level to boost the body's self-healing capabilities. Most commonly, stem cells are preferred because of the enhanced durability that makes the specimen stronger than grafts. Common source options include hyaluronic acid, collagen, alginate, chitosan, and silk fibers. Typically, silk fibers are the optimal choice because the material has enhanced strength and durability, especially when combined with other substances known to rebuild the body, like collagen. However, synthetic biodegradable polymers can also be used for regeneration.
What options are available now?
Stem cells are a burgeoning option for regenerative medicine because limited research data is available for results in human subjects. Currently, data is limited to animal populations and even this information is scant for long-term success. Alternatively, platelet-rich therapy (PRP) injections are still the preferred option for regenerative treatments. PRP offers flexibility as the treatment can work alone for minor injuries or as a supplemental option for severe ACL tears. In more serious cases, PRP injections can speed wound healing after surgery and fast-track recovery timelines.
Customizing a treatment plan
Ultimately, the right treatment plan for an ACL tear is going to depend on the severity of the injury, if there is a history of recurrent ACL damage, and any associated risks or outcomes. As a result, ACL tear treatment is customized to the individual to optimize results. People who have suffered an ACL tear are encouraged to work with an orthopedic surgeon to accurately diagnose the damage and create a treatment plan designed to yield the best outcomes.
