ACL TEAR
Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears often occur when playing sports, causing pain and weakness in your knee. If you suffer an ACL tear, Steven Pancio, II, MD, can provide you with the most effective treatments at his self-named practice in Olean, NY. Dr. Pancio offers comprehensive ACL care from the point of injury to your return to sport. Call his office today for more information, or use the online booking form to schedule a consultation.
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What is the ACL?
The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is a connective tissue in your knee. It’s a tough, elastic fiber that crosses over the front of your knee, connecting the bones that form the knee joint.
There’s also a posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) that crosses the back of your knee, and inside your knee, there are two collateral ligaments. Working in harmony, these ligaments stabilize your knee and control the backward and forward movement.
With knees being such a hardworking joint, injuries to the ACL are quite common, especially among people who are physically active. An ACL tear occurs when your knee stretches beyond the ligament’s breaking point.
A Grade 1 sprain is the mildest ACL injury, in which the ligament fibers stretch too far but don’t tear. A Grade 3 sprain is the most serious, where the ACL tears in two. An ACL tear can make your knee joint unstable.
What causes an ACL tear?
Injuries to the ACL typically occur during training or exercise or when playing sports. The types of movement that are likely to result in an ACL tear include:
- Rapid direction changes.
- Sudden stops.
- Slowing suddenly when running.
- Jumping and landing badly.
- Impact injuries from collisions or tackles.
At the moment the ACL tears, your knee might give way, and you may stumble or fall. Sometimes you can hear a popping noise as the ligament ruptures. Your knee is likely to be painful and become swollen over the following day.
Depending on the severity of your injury, you might suffer a degree of instability in the joint. ACL tears often make it difficult to walk normally. After this initial period, symptoms of an ACL tear can fade away, making you believe the injury didn’t cause serious harm.
Unfortunately, it takes more than a few days to heal an ACL tear. If you resume activities thinking the injury is improving, you could cause more severe and long-term damage.
What treatments are available for ACL tears?
ACL tears can’t heal properly if left alone. To get you back enjoying your sport of choice without any permanent weakness in the knee, you should consult Dr. Pancio about surgery.
Dr. Pancio is a sports medicine expert who uses state-of-the-art techniques to achieve a fast and long-lasting recovery. It’s not possible to simply sew the torn ends of the ACL ligament together, so surgery involves reconstructing the ligament using a tissue graft.
Dr. Pancio offers multiple graft choices, including:
- Hamstring autograft.
- BTB (Bone-Tendon-Bone) autograft.
- Quadriceps tendon autograft.
- Allograft tissue.
Autografts use tissues from your body, while an allograft uses donated tissues.
It takes around six months for your knee to heal following surgery. Providing you follow the physical therapy program Dr. Pancio recommends, you should regain full use of your knee.
For more information, call Steven Pancio, II, MD today, or book an appointment online.
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I was hit by car, had a compound fracture with a bone sticking out of my left foot. Broken tibia and fibia?. Screwed plate and bones back together. I am healing fine, next visit 3/26 to remove stiches. I seem to have total function of foot. Still have 2 more weeks of not using leg, but very hopeful.
Very considerate and professional. Did not at any time feel rushed. Offered advice without surgery. Prior surgery by him was extremely successful. Excellent Doctor.
Very professional happy with visit explained issue and treatment process and took time to answer my questions and concerns.
Very smooth experience. Dr. Pancio was very focused, patient, and communicative through every step.
He actually took the time to listen and respond appropriately. He was upfront and honest. Much appreciated.
Very helpful.
No problems. Staff was efficient and courteous. Dr. was professional and honest.
Dr. Pancho is high energy and personable. He didn’t rush through follow up appointments and made sure we understood any procedures and answered all of my questions. I especially liked how he kept my wife informed of my progress during surgery and by phone speaker during appointments. His written material he gave me was personalized for my specific injury and was easy to follow.
My son was seen for a broken arm. Everyone was very kind and patient with him, as this was a new experience for us. I am very pleased with the service we received and for a healed arm.
Dr. Pancio studied my daughters MRI before he came in and talked to us. He examined her knee and told us that her exam confirmed what he had found on the MRI which was missed by the radiologist. He prescribed the appropriate physical therapy and my daughter is on her way to making a full recovery without surgery! If she would have needed surgery, we have full confidence that Dr. Pancio would be great! He is very observant and knowledgeable. He explained everything that is going on with her knee also why and when it would hurt in different situations.
By far the best Orthopedic doctor in the area.
Doc is awesome makes you feel comfortable and cares about your well being.
Phenomenal surgeon – Dr. Pancio made my shoulder normal again!!
Great doctor and surgeon. Would highly recommend to anyone in the Winchester area for their orthopedic care.