I’m an older patient who has an aCL Tear, what are my options?
Dr. Bill Sterett is a board-certified knee doctor and a sports medicine specialist at Vail-Summit Orthopaedics & Neurosurgery (VSON). Over the last 25 years of practicing medicine, Dr. Sterett has had a special interest in diagnosing and treating ACL injuries. As the former Head Team Physician for the US Womens Alpine Ski Team for over 25 years, overseeing the Teams’ medical needs through 6 Olympic Game Dr. Sterett has seen his number of knee injuries, specifically ACL injuries.
It is a priority to Dr. Sterett to provide patients with a comprehensive overview of ACL injuries. This blog post focus on answering the questions about anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears in older adults. While ACL injuries are often associated with young athletes, they can also affect older individuals, presenting unique challenges and considerations for patients.
Understanding ACL tears in older adults
ACL tears in older adults can occur through various mechanisms, often because of sudden trauma, such as a fall or awkward landing. They can also be caused by chronic wear and tear on the knee joint due to aging, leading to a weakening of the ligament over time. These injuries may manifest differently compared to younger patients, as older adults may have underlying joint degeneration or other age-related conditions that complicate the diagnosis and treatment process.
Did I Tear My ACL?
Common symptoms of an ACL tear in older adults include pain, swelling, instability, and a decreased range of motion in the affected knee. However, older individuals might attribute these symptoms to age-related joint changes, delaying diagnosis and treatment.
What are the Challenges for Older Adults and ACL Injuries?
The unique challenges in treating ACL tears in older adults stem from the potential presence of pre-existing health conditions, which can impact surgical decisions. Conditions such as osteoarthritis may influence the choice of treatment and surgical approach, as well as the post-operative rehabilitation process.
Treatment Options for ACL Tears in Older Patients
Treatment options for ACL tears in older adults vary and depend on several factors, including:
Patient's overall health
Activity level
Extent of the injury
Non-surgical treatments may be considered for less active individuals or those with multiple comorbidities. However, surgery is often recommended for those who wish to maintain an active lifestyle.
Types of ACL Tear Surgery and Indications
ACL Reconstruction: This is the most common surgical approach, involving the replacement of the torn ligament with graft tissue from the patient's body (autograft) or a donor (allograft). It is generally indicated for individuals with persistent symptoms and a desire to return to a higher level of activity.
ACL Repair: In select cases, ACL repair may be possible for older patients with partial tears or specific tear patterns. This approach is less invasive than reconstruction and may be considered for those who wish to maintain a more sedentary lifestyle.
Combined Procedures: For older adults with accompanying injuries or degenerative joint changes, a combination of ACL surgery with other knee procedures, such as meniscus repair or cartilage restoration, may be required to address the full extent of the damage.
ACL tears in older adults present unique challenges due to age-related factors and comorbidities. Treatment decisions should consider the patient's overall health, activity level, and specific injury characteristics. Surgical options should be carefully considered to restore knee function and help older adults maintain their desired lifestyle. Dr. Sterett recommends seeking prompt evaluation if you suspect an ACL injury.
Get Back in the Game with Team Sterett’s Expert Care
Dr. Sterett and his team of sports medicine specialists at Vail-Summit Orthopaedics & Neurosurgery are the preferred choice for those wanting the highest level of care for knee ligament injuries.
Contact Team Sterett today for personalized knee injury treatment that will get you back to your peak performance. Call (970) 476-7220 today or request a consultation using our online form.
Telehealth Appointments are Also Available!
Dr. Sterett offers the convenience of telemedicine. As a highly sought-after expert by patients across the country, you can schedule a virtual consultation today to receive his unparalleled care from the comfort of your home. https://drsterett.com/about-telemedicine
