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Dr. Sean McMillan Orthopedics & Sports MedicineBurlington Township, NJ · Fellowship · University of Massachusetts
Condition

ACL Tear

ACL Tear care in Burlington Township, NJ

Labeled medical illustration of acl tear
FigureACL Tear
  • Care areaKnee
  • Treated bySean McMillan, DO
The short answer

Dr. McMillan treats ACL tears in Burlington Township, an injury to the anterior cruciate ligament that stabilizes the knee. Care depends on your activity and how stable the knee is. Options range from physical therapy to ACL reconstruction for those who need it.

Sean McMillan diagnoses and treats acl tear in Burlington Township, from the first visit through recovery.

What do patients ask most?

Can you walk with a torn ACL?
Many people can walk once the swelling settles, but the knee may feel unstable during pivoting or cutting. Stability during daily life and sport is what guides treatment.
Do all ACL tears need surgery?
No. People with low activity demands and a stable knee can sometimes manage with therapy. Reconstruction is common for those returning to pivoting or contact sports.
What happens if I leave an ACL tear untreated?
An unstable knee can give way and, over time, this may lead to further meniscus or cartilage injury. Whether to treat is a conversation about your activity and how the knee behaves day to day.
How soon can I return to sports after an ACL injury?
For those who have reconstruction, return-to-sport timelines are discussed as ranges on the ACL reconstruction procedure page, not as promises.

What is ACL Tear?

The anterior cruciate ligament, or ACL, is a band of tissue in the center of the knee that keeps the shin bone from sliding forward and rotating.

It is one of the main stabilizers of the joint.

Most ACL tears happen during a sudden stop, pivot, or landing, often in sports. Many people feel a pop, followed by swelling within hours and a feeling that the knee is unstable.

A torn ACL does not grow back together. Whether it needs surgery depends on how unstable the knee feels and what activities you want to return to.

How is ACL Tear diagnosed, and what does the visit involve?

Dr. McMillan tests the knee's stability with maneuvers such as the Lachman test, which checks how far the shin bone shifts forward.

X-rays rule out fracture. An MRI scan, which shows ligaments and cartilage, confirms the tear and checks for related meniscus or cartilage injury.

Medical illustration of ACL Reconstruction
ACL ReconstructionMedical illustration of ACL Reconstruction Read more

What is recovery like for ACL Tear?

Not every ACL tear needs surgery.

People with lower activity demands and a stable knee may do well with therapy alone. Those who pivot, cut, or play contact sports often choose reconstruction. Dr. McMillan will weigh your stability, your goals, and any other knee injuries before recommending a path.

What are the treatment options?

  1. 01
    Rest, ice, and swelling control in the first days after injuryRest, ice, and swelling control in the first days after injury.
  2. 02
    Physical therapy to restore motion and rebuild the muscles that stabilize the kneePhysical therapy to restore motion and rebuild the muscles that stabilize the knee.
  3. 03
    A brace for support during recovery or return to activityA brace for support during recovery or return to activity.
  4. 04
    ACL reconstruction, rebuilding the ligament with a tissue graft, for people whose knees reACL reconstruction, rebuilding the ligament with a tissue graft, for people whose knees remain unstable or who return to pivoting sports.

Who treats acl tear in Burlington Township?

Sean McMillan is a board certified orthopedic surgeon who treats acl tear in Burlington Township, NJ. Fellowship trained at University of Massachusetts, Worcester, MA (Arthroscopic Sports Medicine: Shoulders, Hips, Knees and Elbows). Dr. McMillan sees patients at the practice in Burlington Township; appointments can be requested through this site.

How do payments work?

Contact the office to confirm insurance participation.

Sean McMillan, DO
Orthopedic surgeonSean McMillan, DO

Fellowship trained at University of Massachusetts, Worcester, MA (Arthroscopic Sports Medicine: Shoulders, Hips, Knees and Elbows). Sees patients in Burlington Township.

About Dr. McMillan
Appointments

Talk through acl tear with Dr. McMillan

Call the office or request an appointment. Accepting new patients.