ACL Repair Surgery in New Jersey

The Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL), is one of four ligaments connecting the thighbone (femur) and tibia (shinbone) at the knee joint. It is also one of the most commonly injured ligaments.

Within the knee joint, which is composed of the femur, tibia, and patella (kneecap), the ACL aids stability by limiting mobility of the tibia. The knee is a major weight-bearing joint, and the ACL helps stabilize the joint by keeping the tibia in position to support the body.

What causes ACL tears?

ACL tears are common sports injuries and can occur when forces extend the knee beyond its normal range of motion. A direct impact on the knee, such as a football tackle, can result in a torn ACL. Likewise, overextension of the knee, as during a cutting or rotating maneuver while running, can force the knee outside its limits of motion and cause the ACL to tear.

Similar forces on the knee, either through trauma or overextension, can cause ACL tears outside of sports; however, the physical demands of sports cause the majority of ACL injuries.

When the ACL tears, the patient may not feel pain, but may hear a "pop" and experience their legs "giving out" from under them. Severe swelling, pain, and difficulty moving the knee follow this initial experience.

ACL Tear Diagnosis and Treatment

Ligaments, including the ACL, do not benefit from a direct blood supply, and therefore, cannot heal themselves. For less active patients, surgery may not be necessary, and the injury can be effectively treated through bracing and physical therapy exercises. An athlete, however, will require surgery to repair the torn ACL and return to the playing field.

What is Knee Arthroscopy?

Dr. Rieber specializes in knee arthroscopy, which is a minimally invasive surgical technique and the common surgical method to treat ACL tears. Arthroscopic techniques afford patients several potential benefits, including reduced scarring, reduced blood loss, and minimal tissue damage, which help lead to a quicker recovery and return to sports.

During an arthroscopic procedure, a video camera is inserted into the knee joint through a small incision. Images from the camera provide an internal view of the knee that the orthopedic surgeon uses to diagnose and treat the injury. Surgical instruments are then inserted through additional small incisions to repair the torn ACL.

To repair the torn tendon, a graft from another ligament (most commonly the patellar tendon) is adopted to replace the function of the torn ACL. Stitching the torn ends of the ACL back together is not an effective means of restoring the full function of the knee.

ACL Surgery in New Jersey

Dr. Michael Rieber is one of the foremost orthopedic surgeons treating sports injuries in the New Jersey area. As Team Orthopedic Surgeon and Team Physician for several area sports teams, from High School to Professional, Dr. Rieber has extensive experience in knee arthroscopy and treating torn ACLs.

Schedule an appointment at one of Dr. Rieber’s two New Jersey offices »