Dr. Vidal treats ACL tears in Vail, an injury to the anterior cruciate ligament that stabilizes the knee. Care depends on your activity and how stable the knee is. Options range from physical therapy to ACL reconstruction for those who need it.
Armando Vidal diagnoses and treats acl tear in Vail, from the first visit through recovery.
What is ACL Tear?
The anterior cruciate ligament, or ACL, is a band of tissue in the center of the knee that keeps the shin bone from sliding forward and rotating.
It is one of the main stabilizers of the joint.
Most ACL tears happen during a sudden stop, pivot, or landing, often in sports. Many people feel a pop, followed by swelling within hours and a feeling that the knee is unstable.
A torn ACL does not grow back together. Whether it needs surgery depends on how unstable the knee feels and what activities you want to return to.
How is ACL Tear diagnosed, and what does the visit involve?
Dr. Vidal tests the knee's stability with maneuvers such as the Lachman test, which checks how far the shin bone shifts forward.
X-rays rule out fracture. An MRI scan, which shows ligaments and cartilage, confirms the tear and checks for related meniscus or cartilage injury.
What is recovery like for ACL Tear?
Not every ACL tear needs surgery.
People with lower activity demands and a stable knee may do well with therapy alone. Those who pivot, cut, or play contact sports often choose reconstruction. Dr. Vidal will weigh your stability, your goals, and any other knee injuries before recommending a path.
What do patients ask most?
Can you walk with a torn ACL?+
Do all ACL tears need surgery?+
What happens if I leave an ACL tear untreated?+
How soon can I return to sports after an ACL injury?+
Who treats acl tear in Vail?
Armando Vidal is a board certified orthopedic surgeon who treats acl tear in Vail, CO. Fellowship trained at University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. Dr. Vidal sees patients at the practice in Vail; appointments can be requested through this site.
What are the treatment options?
- 01Rest, ice, and swelling control in the first days after injuryRest, ice, and swelling control in the first days after injury.
- 02Physical therapy to restore motion and rebuild the muscles that stabilize the kneePhysical therapy to restore motion and rebuild the muscles that stabilize the knee.
- 03A brace for support during recovery or return to activityA brace for support during recovery or return to activity.
- 04ACL reconstruction, rebuilding the ligament with a tissue graft, for people whose knees reACL reconstruction, rebuilding the ligament with a tissue graft, for people whose knees remain unstable or who return to pivoting sports.
How do payments work?
Contact the office to confirm insurance participation.
Fellowship trained at University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. Sees patients in Vail.
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