What is ACL Tear?
The anterior cruciate ligament, or ACL, is a band of tissue in the center of the knee that keeps the shin bone from sliding forward and rotating.
It is one of the main stabilizers of the joint.
Most ACL tears happen during a sudden stop, pivot, or landing, often in sports. Many people feel a pop, followed by swelling within hours and a feeling that the knee is unstable.
A torn ACL does not grow back together. Whether it needs surgery depends on how unstable the knee feels and what activities you want to return to.
How is ACL Tear diagnosed, and what does the visit involve?
Dr. wodicka tests the knee's stability with maneuvers such as the Lachman test, which checks how far the shin bone shifts forward.
X-rays rule out fracture. An MRI scan, which shows ligaments and cartilage, confirms the tear and checks for related meniscus or cartilage injury.
What is recovery like for ACL Tear?
Not every ACL tear needs surgery.
People with lower activity demands and a stable knee may do well with therapy alone. Those who pivot, cut, or play contact sports often choose reconstruction. Dr. wodicka will weigh your stability, your goals, and any other knee injuries before recommending a path.
Try first, non-surgical
- 01Rest, ice, and swelling control in the first days after injury
- 02Physical therapy to restore motion and rebuild the muscles that stabilize the knee
- 03A brace for support during recovery or return to activity
When non-surgical care stops working
- 04ACL reconstruction, rebuilding the ligament with a tissue graft, for people whose knees remain unstable or who return to pivoting sports
Who treats acl tear in Fort Lauderdale?
ross wodicka is a orthopedic surgeon who treats acl tear in Fort Lauderdale, FL. Fellowship trained at southern california orthopaedic institute (scoi). Dr. wodicka sees patients at the practice in Fort Lauderdale; appointments can be requested through this site.
What do patients ask most often?
Can you walk with a torn ACL?
Many people can walk once the swelling settles, but the knee may feel unstable during pivoting or cutting. Stability during daily life and sport is what guides treatment.
Do all ACL tears need surgery?
No. People with low activity demands and a stable knee can sometimes manage with therapy. Reconstruction is common for those returning to pivoting or contact sports.
What happens if I leave an ACL tear untreated?
An unstable knee can give way and, over time, this may lead to further meniscus or cartilage injury. Whether to treat is a conversation about your activity and how the knee behaves day to day.
How soon can I return to sports after an ACL injury?
For those who have reconstruction, return-to-sport timelines are discussed as ranges on the ACL reconstruction procedure page, not as promises.
How do payments work?
Contact the office to confirm insurance participation.
This page is for general education and does not replace an evaluation by a physician. Individual treatment plans vary, and this content should not be used to self-diagnose.