The Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) is the stabilizer of the knee. Tearing it is a common sports injury.

The old dogma: "Torn ACL = Surgery." The new reality: It depends on YOU.

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Option 1: Surgery (ACL Reconstruction)

We build a new ligament using a tendon graft (hamstring or patellar tendon).

Who needs it?

• Athletes: If you play football, basketball, or sports involving cutting/pivoting. Without an ACL, the knee will give way.
• Young Patients: To prevent meniscus damage from instability.
• "Non-Copers": People whose knee buckles even during daily walking.

Option 2: Rehabilitation (Conservative)

We strengthen the muscles around the knee to compensate for the missing ligament.

Who is it for?

• Sedentary / Older Patients: If you just walk, cycle, and swim, you might never miss your ACL.
• "Copers": Some people have naturally stiff knees and don't experience instability despite the tear.

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The Decision Matrix

Factor	Favor Surgery	Favor Rehab
Age	Young (<35)	Older (>50)
Activity	Pivot Sports	Straight-line (Run/Cycle)
Instability	Frequent buckling	Stable
Job	Heavy Labor	Desk Job

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Takeaway

Don't rush. Unless you have a locked knee (meniscus tear), you can wait a few weeks to try rehab first.

Dr. Abhijit Kale will test your stability and help you choose the path that matches your goals.