ACL Tears

ACL Tears: Non-Surgical Treatment Options in Palm Beach

An ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) tear is one of the most common and significant knee injuries, particularly among athletes and active individuals. Traditionally, complete ACL tears were almost universally treated with reconstructive surgery. However, advances in orthobiologic treatment have opened the door to non-surgical options for select ACL injury cases.

At Palm Beach Regenerative, Dr. Ghattas evaluates ACL injuries on a case-by-case basis. Regenexx has published peer-reviewed research documenting MRI-confirmed healing in select ACL cases treated with orthobiologic injections. This is the only area in regenerative orthopedics where Regenexx can demonstrate documented healing on imaging. Contact us to learn more.

What Is an ACL Tear?

The ACL is a critical ligament that connects the femur (thigh bone) to the tibia (shin bone) and provides rotational stability to the knee. Tears range from partial (Grade 1–2) to complete (Grade 3).

ACL injuries typically occur from sudden deceleration, pivoting, landing incorrectly, or direct contact. This is common in sports like tennis, golf, basketball, skiing, and soccer.

Signs and Symptoms

• A 'pop' or snap felt or heard at the time of injury
• Rapid swelling within the first few hours
• Knee instability, including the feeling that the knee may give out
• Pain and difficulty bearing weight
• Loss of range of motion

Common Causes and Risk Factors

• Sudden change of direction or pivoting on a planted foot
• Landing incorrectly from a jump
• Direct blow or collision to the knee
• Deceleration while running
• Greater risk in women due to biomechanical differences

How It Is Diagnosed

ACL tears are typically diagnosed through physical examination (Lachman test, anterior drawer test) combined with MRI imaging. MRI is the gold standard for confirming the diagnosis, grading the severity of the tear, and assessing associated injuries to the meniscus, cartilage, and other ligaments.

Dr. Ghattas will review your MRI in detail and discuss whether the injury pattern and grade are appropriate for an orthobiologic treatment approach versus surgical reconstruction.

Conventional Treatment Options

Treatment decisions for ACL tears depend heavily on the grade of the injury, the patient's activity level, and associated damage:

• Grade 1–2 (partial tears): Often managed conservatively with physical therapy and bracing, though re-injury risk exists without addressing the underlying instability
• Grade 3 (complete tears) in active patients: Typically treated with ACL reconstruction surgery, which replaces the torn ligament with a tendon graft
• Physical therapy: Essential both as a standalone treatment and as rehabilitation following surgery
• Bracing: Provides short-term stability but does not address the underlying structural damage

The Palm Beach Regenerative Approach

Regenexx has published peer-reviewed data demonstrating MRI-confirmed healing in select ACL tear cases following orthobiologic treatment, making this one of the most evidence-supported applications of interventional orthobiologics.

For carefully selected candidates, typically patients with partial ACL tears or specific complete tear patterns, Dr. Ghattas may offer image-guided platelet or bone marrow concentrate injections delivered precisely to the site of the ACL tear under real-time imaging guidance.

The goal of treatment is to support the body's natural healing response within the ligament, improve stability, and in appropriate cases allow patients to return to activity without surgical reconstruction.

Important: Not all ACL tears are candidates for non-surgical orthobiologic treatment. Complete tears with significant instability, particularly in high-demand athletes, may require surgical reconstruction for full stability. Dr. Ghattas will review your MRI and provide an honest assessment of all your options.

The BioMod Advantage: At Palm Beach Regenerative, treatment does not end with a single injection. Through our BioMod Lab, Dr. Ghattas may combine your orthobiologic procedure with MLS Robotic Laser Therapy to reduce inflammation and support tissue recovery, alongside customized Xymogen supplement protocols designed to optimize your body's healing environment. This integrated, concierge approach is what sets Palm Beach Regenerative apart from a standard injection clinic.



Like all medical procedures, orthobiologic treatments have potential risks and benefits. Results vary by individual. Not all patients are candidates. Dr. Ghattas will discuss your specific situation, realistic expectations, and all treatment options, including when surgery or other interventions may be more appropriate.