ACL Tears
Helping athletes and active adults move forward
Clear answers. Focused care. Stronger knee stability.
At Austin Orthopedic Institute, ACL injuries are evaluated and treated by sports medicine specialists in Austin who work with active patients every day. As a center for sports orthopedics, we help patients move forward after knee injuries caused by sports, work, or sudden trauma.
The Role of the ACL in Knee Stability
The ACL connects the thigh bone to the shin bone and plays a major role in knee control. It limits forward movement of the shin and helps stabilize rotation during quick direction changes.
When the ACL is intact, the knee stays aligned during cutting, landing, and sudden stops. When it is torn, the knee may shift unexpectedly, increasing stress on other structures.
How ACL Injuries Commonly Occur
SUDDEN DIRECTION CHANGES
When the body shifts direction quickly, the foot often stays planted while the knee twists. This creates rotational force through the knee joint. The ACL resists that rotation. If the force is too strong or too fast, the ligament can tear.
LANDING AWKWARDLY FROM A JUMP
Landing with the knee straight, bent inward, or off balance increases stress on the ACL. The ligament is forced to control forward movement of the shin and rotation at the same time. Poor landing mechanics or fatigue can make this stress even greater.
RAPID STOPS WHILE RUNNING
A sudden stop causes the body’s momentum to push forward while the knee tries to slow it down. The ACL helps prevent the shin from sliding forward under the thigh. When that force exceeds the ligament’s capacity, a tear can occur.
DIRECT CONTACT TO THE KNEE
A blow to the knee from the side or front can force the joint out of alignment. This sudden shift places immediate strain on the ACL. Contact injuries often occur during sports collisions or falls.
Understanding the ACL
ACL tears are common knee injuries that affect stability, control, and confidence during movement. The anterior cruciate ligament helps guide motion during running, pivoting, and jumping. When it is torn, the knee may feel unstable or give way during activity.
Our team includes sports orthopedic doctors and sports injury doctors who evaluate ACL injuries using physical exams and imaging to guide next steps. Treatment paths depend on activity level, knee stability, and long-term goals.
Initial Injury Assessment
An ACL injury often causes immediate swelling, pain, or instability. During the initial visit, a sports injury doctor evaluates knee motion, swelling, strength, and stability.
Hands-on testing helps identify ligament damage. This step guides imaging decisions and helps rule out injuries to cartilage or other ligaments.
Signs of a Torn ACL
ACL tears often share clear warning signs. These may appear immediately or develop over hours.
Common signs include:
- A popping sensation at the time of injury
- Rapid swelling in the knee
- Knee giving way during movement
- Pain with pivoting or sudden stops
- Limited confidence during activity
A sports orthopedic doctor can assess these signs and guide next steps.
Meet Our Knee Pain Specialists
The surgeons at Austin Orthopedic Institute have treated thousands of knee injuries and conditions. They specialize in a patient-first approach, utilizing the latest techniques, including robotic-assisted surgery, to ensure precision and personalized outcomes.
Common Knee Pain Treatment Available at All Locations
Austin | Marble Falls | Georgetown | Killeen
Our experienced orthopedic providers at all Austin Orthopedic Institute locations can diagnose and treat many common knee and lower extremity conditions, including:
✓ Diagnostic Evaluation – Initial assessment and treatment planning for all knee and lower limb conditions.
✓ Surgical Planning – Comprehensive preoperative assessment and customized surgical mapping for patients requiring treatment.
✓ Joint Injections – Corticosteroid or viscosupplementation injections for pain and lubrication.
What to Expect at Your Appointment
Before Your Visit
We encourage you to take advantage of our complimentary MRI, X-ray, and CT scan review service. Send us your images, and one of our board-certified orthopedic surgeons will personally review them, offering an expert second opinion and letting you know if you need to come in.
During Your Visit
Conservative Care – We develop a personalized plan, with most patients starting with 6-12 weeks of non-surgical treatment.
Surgical Planning – If surgery is necessary, we use advanced computerized and robotic pre-operative planning for optimal, precise outcomes.
Recovery Support – We ensure close follow-up and coordinate your rehabilitation with our in-house physical therapy team for maximum recovery and a swift return to your active life.
Schedule Your Appointment Today
Don’t let chronic knee pain sideline your life any longer. At Austin Orthopedic Institute, we believe your injury is unique to you—and we treat it that way. Our expert, compassionate, and dedicated team is ready to diagnose your condition and develop a Personalized Treatment Plan that gets you moving again.
Why Choose Austin Orthopedic Institute for Knee Care?
✓ Robotic Knee Replacement Specialists – Access to cutting-edge technology (Mako® & AR) for superior precision
✓ 100% Fellowship-Trained Knee Surgeons – Advanced, subspecialty expertise you can trust
✓ Same-Day & Next-Day Appointments – When you’re in pain, we’re here to help quickly
✓ Over 130 Years of Combined Experience – Decades of proven orthopedic success in Central Texas
✓ Comprehensive Care, All Under One Roof – From initial diagnosis to surgery and in-house physical therapy
✓ Conservative Approach First – We exhaust non-surgical options before recommending surgery
✓ Four Convenient Locations – Austin, Marble Falls, Georgetown, and Killeen
✓ Complimentary Second Opinions – Free review of your existing MRI/X-ray/CT scans
Our Locations
Austin Orthopedic Institute has four locations – Austin, Georgetown, Marble Falls, and Killeen. All of our providers go to the main office in Austin and our Georgetown location. Only Dr. Hurt visits our Marble Falls satellite location and only Dr. Robin visits the Killeen satellite location.
Austin
Marble Falls
Georgetown
