We’ve come to associate that diagnosis with surgery and 12 months out of sport.
The anterior cruciate ligament is a key ligament in the knee that stops the shin sliding forward on the thigh bone.
Given the impact of these injuries, there’s been extensive research into how best to manage them.
In recent years, some interesting findings have emerged:
1. Some athletes can return to high-level sport without an ACL
It’s long been known that athletes not returning to pivoting sports (like footy, netball, or tennis) can do well without surgery.
More recently, there have even been examples of players competing at elite levels in rugby, soccer, and cricket with a ruptured ACL.
2. The ACL can sometimes heal without surgery
A recent study of people who didn’t undergo reconstruction found that around 30% showed a healed ACL on scans two years later—challenging the long-held belief that it couldn’t heal.
3. A new bracing approach may improve healing
Early research suggests that locking the knee at 90 degrees for several weeks after injury, then gradually straightening it, may increase the chance of healing.
While promising, these findings still need further validation, particularly around potential downsides of prolonged immobilisation.
So watch this space.
Our approach to ACL injuries may continue to evolve.
If you do suffer an ACL injury, management can be complex, so it’s important to seek expert advice and understand the pros and cons of your options.
Pat Arnold is a director and sports physiotherapist at Echuca Moama Physiotherapy. Appointments with Pat and his colleagues can be made by phoning 5480 0860 or book online at echucamoamaphysio.com.au
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