Muscle Atrophy
A Modern Approach to Treating ACL Tears
The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is one of the most important stabilizing structures in the knee, responsible for preventing excessive forward movement of the tibia (shin bone) relative to the femur (thigh bone) and controlling rotational stability. It plays a crucial role in activities that involve cutting, pivoting, jumping, and sudden directional changes, making it especially important for athletes and physically active individuals. When the ACL is torn, knee stability can become compromised, potentially leading to instability, pain, and difficulty with high-impact movements. However, recent research has challenged the long-standing assumption that all ACL tears require surgical reconstruction, showing that many patients can achieve full recovery with non-surgical treatment when properly managed.