Musculoskeletal Condition · Glastonbury, CT

Partial ACL Tear

Incomplete ACL tears causing knee pain or instability: evaluation-first, non-surgical options and when surgical referral makes sense with Dr. Paul Tortland, DO.

Written and clinically reviewed by

Paul D. Tortland, DO, FAOASM, CAQSM, RMSK

Dr. Paul Tortland, DO is a non-surgical orthopedic & sports medicine physician specializing in regenerative orthopedics and surgical alternative treatment. He is dual board-certified in Sports Medicine & Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine (OMM) and Regenerative Medicine, Fellowship-trained in Sports Medicine. He became the first physician in the world to earn board certification in Regenerative Medicine in 2015. Diplomate, American Board of Regenerative Medicine (ABRM), 2015. Registered in Musculoskeletal Ultrasound (RMSK).

Condition

What is a partial ACL tear?

An incomplete tear of the anterior cruciate ligament in which some fibers remain intact, sometimes causing pain, swelling, or a feeling of instability with pivoting. Management depends on how stable the knee is, activity demands, and imaging findings; complete tears with instability are typically referred for surgical evaluation.

Explore related conditions: Browse the Knee condition hub for related diagnoses and treatment options.

CARE OPTIONS

How is a partial ACL tear treated?

Dr. Tortland’s potential treatment options: Dr. Tortland evaluates knee stability, associated injuries, and activity goals before considering an injection. PRP treatment may be discussed for selected associated pain or tissue concerns, but it does not reliably restore ACL mechanical stability and should not replace rehabilitation or a surgical opinion when the knee is unstable.

Physical therapy and traditional care: Physical therapy is central and typically focuses on reducing swelling, restoring motion, quadriceps/hamstring strength, balance, and neuromuscular control. A brace and temporary restriction from pivoting sports may be appropriate.

When other care may be needed: Recurrent giving-way, locking, or suspected meniscal/cartilage injury warrants orthopedic assessment. Whether surgery is needed depends on instability, associated damage, and desired activity level.

Common questions

Questions about partial acl tear

What causes a partial ACL tear?

Partial ACL tears usually follow a twisting, pivoting or landing injury, or a direct blow to the knee, in which some ligament fibers stretch or tear while others stay intact. Sports with sudden changes of direction are a common setting.

What are the symptoms of a partial ACL tear?

Pain and swelling after the injury, a feeling that the knee is loose or may give way with pivoting or stairs, and sometimes stiffness or trouble fully straightening the knee. Some people notice little at rest but instability with sport.

What are the non-surgical treatment options for a partial ACL tear?

Management depends on stability, activity demands and imaging. Many partial tears are treated with structured rehabilitation focused on thigh, hip and core strength and neuromuscular control, activity modification while the knee settles, and a brace for sport in some cases.

What regenerative options may help a partial ACL tear?

For selected partial tears with a stable knee, Dr. Tortland may discuss ultrasound-guided orthobiologic injections such as PRP alongside rehabilitation. Evidence for ACL injections is limited. A knee that gives way despite rehabilitation, or a complete tear, is typically referred for surgical evaluation.