Seeking a Second Opinion Before ACL Surgery
An ACL injury does not always mean ACL reconstruction is your only option. If you’ve been told you need surgery, but want to understand whether a non-surgical approach could be appropriate for your specific injury, a second opinion can help you make a more informed decision.
At SmartLife Medicine, we evaluate ACL injuries based on the individual patient’s imaging, physical findings, knee stability, activity level, and goals. For appropriately selected patients, regenerative treatment may provide an alternative to immediate surgery.
Why Seek a Second Opinion?
CL injuries vary significantly. The extent and location of the injury, the condition of the remaining ACL tissue, knee stability, and other factors can influence whether surgery is necessary.
A second opinion can help answer important questions:
- Is ACL reconstruction the best option for my injury?
- Is there viable ACL tissue that could potentially be treated without surgery?
- Could regenerative treatment be appropriate?
- What are the potential benefits and limitations of a non-surgical approach?
- What should I consider before committing to surgery?
The goal isn’t purely to avoid surgery, but to understand your options before making a major decision.
Request an Second Opinion
Get a clear assessment of your ACL injury and find out whether non-surgical treatment is appropriate for your knee.
From the Patient’s Perspective
When an 18-year-old active patient injured his ACL playing soccer, he were suddenly faced with significant pain, instability, and the possibility of major knee surgery.
Immediately after tearing the ACL, walking was extremely painful. Even five or six weeks after the injury, the leg would unexpectedly give out. The patient had always been active, and sports had always been an important part of life. With little progress from physical therapy, ACL reconstruction was recommended.
However, an MRI showed ACL tissue was still present, so he sought another opinion and met with Dr. Vogt to discuss options.
The Diagnosis and Treatment
Dr. Vogt reviewed the injury and explained the A2M/PRP option, the recovery process, and what to expect before, during, and after treatment. The experience focused on his injury, goals, and desired outcome.
Today, the patient feels great and is back to normal, routinely playing soccer and basketball, just as he did before injuring his ACL.
The Patient’s Message to Others
Start by understanding how severe your injury is. Ask questions and learn about reasonable treatment options before making a major decision. Surgery may be the right answer for some ACL injuries, but he recommends getting a second opinion. Also, find a physician who listens to your goals. Find a team that provides the information and support you need to make a confident decision about your health.
Before Committing to ACL Surgery
If you’ve been diagnosed with an ACL injury and surgery has been recommended, you don’t have to decide without exploring your options.
Dr. Vogt can review your injury and imaging, assess whether regenerative treatment may be appropriate, and help you understand whether a non-surgical approach is reasonable for your situation.
Request a Second Opinion Before ACL Surgery
If you’re experiencing knee pain or have already been diagnosed with an ACL injury, our care team is here to help. The first step is scheduling a consultation appointment with our board-certified orthopedics physician to review your symptoms and discuss a diagnosis and personalized treatment plan.
Complete the form below to share your symptom(s) and additional health information. Our team will review the information and call you to discuss setting up your consultation in our clinic.