ACL tears can happen in skiing. Here’s what to do about them

Q. I am a 29-year-old recreational athlete who just returned from a ski vacation where I hurt my left knee. I felt a pop when my left knee twisted. My binding did not release at the time of injury. My knee felt wobbly and the ski patrol took me down the mountain on a sled. At the hospital, I had X-rays that revealed no fracture. The doctor thought I tore my ACL. I was given a Velcro brace and crutches and told to see an orthopedic surgeon when I returned to Miami. Do I need surgery?

A. The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is a ligament inside the knee that is important for pivoting activities. The history you give with twisting your knee, feeling a pop when your binding did not release and knee instability post-injury is consistent with an ACL tear.

Your orthopedic surgeon will examine your knee to check for ligamentous instability. The surgeon will likely order an MRI scan, which will help identify soft tissue injuries such as ligament tears and meniscal cartilage damage.

Usually, a period of bracing and physical therapy will be initiated to regain motion, decrease swelling, allow associated injuries to heal and regain strength in the muscles.

The degree of instability and the associated damage to your other knee structures will help to determine if surgery is necessary.

Dr. Harlan Selesnick is team physician of the Miami Heat and director of Miami Sports Medicine Fellowship, Doctors Hospital. Send your questions to HarlanS@baptisthealth.net