You've torn your ACL. Now what?
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A new study sheds light on treatment choices for torn knee ligaments. Surgery may not be necessary.
A 30-year-old skier takes a sharp turn on the slopes and hears a dreaded "pop" in his right knee. He has ruptured the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) — a band of tissue that's important for stabilizing the joint. After icing, compressing, and elevating his swollen knee, he visits the doctor. Now it's time to decide on treatment.
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