ACL Injuries

The ACL is a key knee ligament that controls stability during movements like pivoting and sudden stops. It’s commonly injured in athletes playing sports like football, soccer, basketball, and skiing.

Schedule an Appointment

A "popping" sensation or sound at the time of injury

Immediate knee pain and swelling

Instability, especially when trying to pivot or change direction

Difficulty walking or bearing weight on the affected leg

Decreased range of motion and stiffness in the knee
To diagnose an ACL injury, Dr. Romanelli will conduct a thorough physical examination and evaluate the stability of your knee. This typically involves assessing for any signs of a torn ligament and using specific tests to determine knee instability. Imaging tests such as MRI may be used to confirm the diagnosis and assess any additional damage to the surrounding structures.
Treatment for an ACL injury depends on the severity of the tear and the patient's activity level. Active individuals, especially athletes, often require surgical reconstruction to restore stability and function. For others, a combination of non-surgical treatments and physical therapy may be effective in managing symptoms.
In cases where the ACL tear is partial or the patient is less active, non-surgical treatments may be an option. These include:

Rest, ice, and elevation to manage swelling and pain

Knee bracing to protect the joint and improve stability

Physical therapy to strengthen the muscles around the knee and restore range of motion
For those needing surgical intervention, ACL reconstruction is the most common procedure. Dr. Romanelli offers advanced options like Adult Bone Patellar Tendon Bone (BPTB) Autografts, which provide a strong and reliable method for ligament repair. In certain cases, patients may benefit from the Bridge-Enhanced ACL Restoration (BEAR) Procedure, an innovative technique that promotes the body’s natural healing response by using a scaffold to help regenerate the torn ligament, offering a less invasive alternative to traditional graft-based ACL reconstruction
Rehabilitation through physical therapy is essential following either surgical or non-surgical treatment of an ACL injury.

Physical therapy helps restore strength, flexibility, and stability to the knee, enabling a return to normal activities.

Dr. Romanelli works closely with physical therapists to design a recovery plan tailored to your individual needs, ensuring the best possible outcome.

Knee Procedures with
Dr. Daniel A. Romanelli

Your knees provide the range of motion you need for everyday activities—from reaching and lifting to throwing and rotating. When shoulder pain or injury limits your movement, it can affect your entire lifestyle. Dr. Romanelli specializes in diagnosing and treating shoulder conditions, helping you return to full mobility with personalized, effective care.