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Howard J. Luks, MD

Howard J. Luks, MD

Orthopedic Surgeon Sports Medicine Specialist

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ACL

Do all ACL tears require surgery?

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Howard J. Luks, MD Updated Sep 17, 2021 Read time: < 1 min

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Do All ACL Tears Require Surgery?

No. Many ACL tears do not require surgery and can be managed non-operatively. Many factors go into the decision-making process to determine if you require ACL surgery. Some patients have ACL tears and no instability symptoms. Others are profoundly symptomatic.  That means that their knee feels unstable or loose even with simple stair climbing, turning, or twisting.

We do not know why some people are more symptomatic than others — which is why surgery is not the right answer for everybody. Typically a reconstruction is necessary if you plan to return to competitive activities involving cutting, pivoting, twisting, and rapid side-to-side movements .

There is a difference in how we approach ACL tears in adults and those that occur in children.  Please refer to this discussion about the treatment of ACL tears in children.

Do you have questions regarding an Orthopedic injury or longevity? 

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Dr. Howard Luks offers remote guidance sessions to review your X-ray or MRI images and explain your options. 

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Categories: ACL, Sports Medicine, Surgery

Disclaimer:  this information is for your education and should not be considered medical advice regarding diagnosis or treatment recommendations. Some links on this page may be affiliate links. Read the full disclaimer.
Dr. Howard J. Luks

Howard J. Luks, MD is a leading orthopedic surgeon & sports medicine specialist. An expert in shoulder, knee, and other sports injuries, and author of Longevity... Simplified.

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Further Reading:

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8 Important ACL Questions to Ask Your Surgeon
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ACL Surgery – Start to Finish : Part I
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High Tibial Osteotomy For Knee Arthritis Pain In Active People

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Dr. Howard J. Luks

Howard J. Luks, MD is a leading orthopedic surgeon & sports medicine specialist. An expert in shoulder, knee, and other sports injuries, and author of Longevity... Simplified.

About · Contact · Private Consultation

Remote Guidance Sessions
  • Facebook
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An easy-to-read guide that tosses out the myths and clears up the truth behind living longer. As you read this book, you will:

  • Understand the science behind the recommendations for living a longer and healthier life.
  • Understand that all our bodies’ systems are interconnected and rely on one another.
  • Connect the dots to poor metabolic health and take steps to reverse this path.
  • Recognize that fear doesn't need to be your reality.
  • Recognizing that most people view “exercise” as unpleasant work.
  • Stop going down “rabbit holes” of false information.
  • Realize you don't have to change as much as you think.
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Howard J. Luks, MD

Orthopedic Surgery & Sports Medicine

128 Ashford Avenue
Dobbs Ferry, NY 10522

(914)-559-1900
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