Over 100,000 people undergo ACL reconstruction every year. Many of them are high school or college athletes or young adults. But older adults can suffer this knee injury too. In this Ask Dr. Geier video, I discuss the pros and cons of major reconstructive surgery for active patients in their 40s and 50s. Should an older person have ACL surgery?

Jim asks:
I was just diagnosed with a full-thickness tear of my right ACL. I am 50 but very active. Is surgery the right path to take?

ACL reconstruction serves to restore stability to the knee. For young athletes, surgery can be necessary to allow them to return to sports. For an active person that doesn’t perform cutting and landing maneuvers, it might not be necessary. But surgery can be performed successfully and help older patients return to the activities they want to do. In this video, I discuss some of the factors involved in the decision.

Also read:
Ask Dr. Geier: Nonoperative treatment of ACL tears
Video: ACL reconstruction surgery

Should an older person have ACL surgery?

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