The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is one of the ligaments in the knee joint. A ligament is a tough, flexible band that holds the bones and cartilage of a joint together. 

The ACL can tear if you stretch it too much during an activity or injury. An ACL tear might be partial (through part of the ACL) or complete (all the way through the ACL). 

Treatment for an ACL tear includes rest, physical therapy, supporting or immobilizing the knee with a brace, and possibly surgery.

• Have your child rest the knee for a few days.
• Follow your health care provider's recommendations about which activities are OK and which to avoid.
• If your health care provider recommended your child use a brace and/or crutches, use as instructed.
• Treatments to help with pain and swelling:
  • Place ice wrapped in a towel on the knee for about 20 minutes every 1–2 hours.
  • Wrap an elastic bandage around the knee for compression or use a compression sleeve.
  • Raise the knee above the level of the heart.
  • If your health care provider says it's OK, give medicine, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol^® or a store brand) or ibuprofen (Advil^®, Motrin^®, or a store brand). Follow the package directions for how much to give and how often.
• Follow your health care provider's recommendations about starting physical therapy (PT). Physical therapy helps to:
  • Improve movement and flexibility
  • Regain strength in the knee, thigh, and shin muscles
  • Reduce pain and swelling
  • Improve balance
• Follow your health care provider's recommendation about when it is OK to go back to sports and activities.
• Take your child to any recommended follow-up appointments.

• Your child's knee becomes more swollen or painful.
• Your child can't put any weight on the leg.

Why do some ACL tears need surgery? Whether your provider recommends surgery for a torn ACL depends on many things, including:

• If the tear is partial or complete
• The type of activities (or sports) your child wants to do
• Your child's age
• Other injuries to the knee
• If the knee "gives way" or feels unstable

Can we prevent another ACL tear? There are programs that may help prevent another ACL tear. These programs teach movement patterns that lower the risk of injury, especially while jumping, landing, and changing direction. Ask your health care provider whether this type of program is right for your child.