Swelling, pain and instability in the knee generally point to an ACL tear. A physician will assess the knee for the severity of the sprain. A gradual program of quadriceps and hamstring strengthening is emphasized as well. A dedicated physical rehabilitation program can be helpful for a return to full activity. Patients with complete tears are evaluated for potential recovery after nonsurgical treatment.
Consideration is given to age, weight, activity level and severity of the injury.
If surgery is selected by both the physician and the patient, a ligament is reconstructed usually from the patient's own bone and tendon. Surgical intervention is generally quite successful if undertaken in conjunction with a dedicated physical therapy program. The reconstructed ligament itself takes up to a year to fully heal, but a patient can gradually return to weight bearing and athletic activity as he or she progresses through the rehabilitation program. The posterior cruciate ligament also extends from the tibia to the femur, but in the back of the leg. It prevents the tibia from sliding backwards.