Can a Torn ACL Heal by Itself?

A torn Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) is known to have a lengthy recovery period. Traditionally viewed as an injury beyond natural repair, torn ACLs have been the bane of athletes for decades.

However, a groundbreaking new study is challenging this long-held belief, revealing that the human knee may be more resilient than we’ve given it credit for.

Assessing data from 80 injured knees, the latest research suggests that a torn ACL can, in certain cases, knit itself back together without the need for surgery.

Here, we’ll look at what a torn ACL is and explore the findings of the latest study. You’ll also discover why, despite these new insights, surgery continues to be a vital treatment option.

What is a Torn ACL Injury?

The Anterior Cruciate Ligament, commonly referred to as the ACL, is one of the four key ligaments that stabilise the knee joint. A torn ACL is characterised by a tear in this ligament, disrupting its function and often causing knee instability.

This type of injury can occur from a collision, rapid changes in direction, or sudden stops, which are frequently encountered in sports like football, basketball, and rugby.

When a player suffers an ACL tear, it can sideline them for months as they undergo surgical treatment and intensive rehabilitation.

Study Suggests Torn ACL May Heal by Itself

Recent research published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine, indicates that a torn ACL might have the ability to heal itself under certain conditions. The study, which monitored 80 patients with ruptured ACLs, reported that an astounding 90% showed signs of healing and repair after following a new protocol that included bracing and physical therapy.

Conducted over a three-month period, scans dispelled the long-assumed belief that spontaneous healing of a torn ACL in adults is near impossible. Unsurprisingly, the study has ignited intense debates among sports medicine experts, particularly among orthopaedic surgeons who perform thousands of ACL surgeries annually.

The revelations of this study could redefine how we approach the treatment of ACL injuries, providing a new narrative that emphasises the knee’s remarkable resilience.

Treating a Torn ACL Injury

Despite the intriguing findings of this recent study, it’s crucial to remember that each ACL injury is unique. Surgical intervention remains an important treatment option for many patients.

Surgery provides a more guaranteed route to restoring full knee function, especially for high-performance athletes or those with specific needs. That said, the new data opens the door for alternative therapies, including specialised bracing and guided physical therapy, especially for those who might not be ideal candidates for surgery. Further research is needed to determine the long-term effectiveness of these non-surgical treatments.

As we continue to unpack the full impact of these new findings, it’s clear that the field of sports medicine is on the cusp of significant change. Whether surgery or a new regimen of physical therapy is the right choice for you, the newfound potential for natural healing brings a glimmer of hope to those navigating the challenges of a torn ACL.

If you are dealing with an ACL injury, schedule an appointment with Mr Jonathan Webb. A leading orthopaedic surgeon who has helped hundreds of athletes get back to the sport they love; Mr Webb will assess the tear to determine the best course of treatment.