ACL injury: Season-ending setback or the first step toward comeback?
Imagine you're making a sharp cut on the tennis court or landing awkwardly after a volleyball spike — and then you hear a pop. Your knee buckles. You’re lying on the grass, wondering if your season, or even just your weekend plans, are over. For many active 20- and 30-somethings, an ACL injury suddenly feels personal.
What just happened inside my knee?
Your ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) plays a major role in stabilizing the knee, especially during twists, pivots, and sudden stops. Tearing it means the tibia (shinbone) can slide forward independently of the femur. Most ACL injuries happen without contact: cutting, jumping, or landing wrong. But collisions can cause them too.
"The ACL is a small structure, but it’s essential for dynamic movement,” explains Sean Baran, MD, an orthopedic surgeon with Western Orthopaedics. “When it's torn, athletes immediately feel something is off. The knee often swells quickly, and there’s usually a sense of instability or buckling.”
Diagnosis typically begins with a physical exam and is often confirmed with MRI. X-rays may be used to rule out bone injuries, and in some cases, arthroscopy (a small camera inserted into the joint) provides additional clarity.
Who gets ACL injuries and why?
ACL injuries don’t just happen to elite athletes. In fact, recreational players in their teens, 20s, and 30s are among the most frequent patients.
“We see a lot of these injuries in weekend warriors. These are people playing soccer leagues, tennis matches, skiing, mountain biking,” says Dr. Baran. “It’s not always about how much you train. Sometimes, it’s just one awkward landing or twist.”
Women are also at increased risk due to differences in muscle activation, biomechanics, and joint structure. Regardless of gender, once the ACL is torn, the knee becomes vulnerable to further injury and degeneration without proper treatment.
What are my treatment options?
Some patients can manage an ACL tear non-surgically, depending on their age and expected activity level. But for anyone hoping to resume pivoting sports, surgery is often the recommended route.
“Surgical reconstruction is typically the best option if you want to return to activities that involve quick change of direction or jumping like soccer, basketball, or skiing,” says Dr. Baran. “We use arthroscopic techniques to reconstruct the ligament using a tendon graft. This is done either from the patient’s own tissue or a donor.”
Dr. Baran performs ACL reconstruction through minimally invasive incisions, using small instruments and a camera to guide precise graft placement. The surgery usually lasts about an hour, and patients go home the same day.
What does recovery look like?
Rehab is not a quick fix, but it’s effective with the right plan and support.
“The first few weeks are about restoring motion, reducing swelling, and beginning to walk again,” explains Dr. Baran. “By three to four months, we start easing into light running and sport-specific movements. Full return to sport takes a long time, and we know from the literature this is really a 9-to-12-month process for most patients.”
Rehabilitation involves physical therapy, strength training, and close monitoring. Dr. Baran works closely with patients and therapists to personalize the timeline based on individual goals.
Getting back in the game
Whether you're a club-level athlete or someone who just loves being active, an ACL injury can feel overwhelming. But with the right guidance, recovery is absolutely possible.
“Whether your goal is to get back on the field or just hike without pain, I work closely with patients to create a plan that fits their life,” says Dr. Baran. “My goal is not only to repair the knee, but to help you return stronger, smarter, and more confident.”
To learn more and schedule an appointment, visit the Western Ortho website or call (303) 321-1333.