ACL (Anterior Cruciate Ligament) Injuries

Your knee is a complicated joint that takes a lot of stress. Walking, running, climbing, jumping — even standing — all rely on your knee. The joint includes your kneecap, your leg bones, connective tissue called cartilage, and four ligaments. These ligaments are strong bands that keep your knee stable while you move.

The ACL, or anterior cruciate ligament, is especially at risk for injury when twisting, hyperextending the knee or landing. Because of that, the ACL is the most common knee injury, especially for athletes.

The ACL doesn't have a blood supply, so it can't heal on its own. Left untreated, an ACL injury can lead to chronic pain and/or instability of the knee.

That's why it's important to see a knee specialist as soon as you experience a knee injury. Your orthopedic doctor's exam and imaging, if necessary, are key to understanding the type and severity of your injury.

ACL treatments

Adventist Health Portland's sports medicine team includes doctors with extensive training and experience in treating knee injuries. They work closely with rehabilitation specialists to make sure you have a treatment program that addresses all your needs and goals.

During your first appointment, we'll go over your history, your passions and activities, your plans and goals, and your hopes for recovery. Together we will craft a treatment plan customized for your needs.

That plan may include:

• Rehabilitation exercises and education
• Surgical reconstruction

If needed, surgery is typically performed as arthroscopic surgery, which uses small incisions and tiny instruments to perform the surgery with minimal impact on the knee.

Schedule your visit

Whether your knee injury is new or old, our sports medicine team can help. Just call us today at (503) 261-6961or use our online form to request an appointment.