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, interventional orthobiologics 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.
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"Honestly one of the best experiences, I’ve had a really stiff neck for a couple weeks I tried seeing a chiropractor for and it helped marginally but the real jump in relief was coming to see Dr. Ghattas! He has been incredible, wonderful staff, and minimally invasive technique for my pain relief which was super important to me! Thank you Dr. Ghattas recommending to anyone with pain!"Monica A
"Ghattas was instrumental in helping my torn rotator cuff. I did Barbotage for the stone, and then PRP. Great experience. Been about a month or 2 since and I feel great."Ahmet B
"I had severe knee pain and was looking for proper knee pain treatment, which is how I found Dr. Ghattas on Instagram. I was a bit hesitant at first, but it turned out to be one of the best decisions I’ve made for my health. Francia was amazing at coordinating all my consultations and making the whole process easy and stress-free. If you’re dealing with knee pain and looking for a reliable doctor and team, I highly recommend them."Roger L
"Over a year ago, both my daughter and I underwent PRP treatment with Dr. Ghattas—PRP for my left knee and PRP for my daughter’s L4-L5 and sacral region. We wanted to wait long enough to truly evaluate the results before sharing our experience. I am pleased to say that the outcomes have been outstanding. My daughter’s improvement has been remarkable, and the treatment has made a significant difference in her quality of life. I have also experienced excellent results with my knee. Dr. Ghattas is an exceptional physician who combines expertise, professionalism, and genuine care for his patients. We are incredibly grateful for the treatment we received and the positive impact it has had on our lives. Thank you, Dr. Ghattas. We are truly grateful for everything you have done. You are simply the best."Dr Jorge A
"Dr. Ghattas is very knowledgable and a sympathetic doctor. Hard to find in America. All questions answered, my procedure went very smoothly, very little pain. Follow up is excellent, I highly recommend his practice."Luciana D
“ I had severe knee pain and was looking for proper knee pain treatment, which is how I found Dr. Ghattas on Instagram. I was a bit hesitant at first, but it turned out to be one of the best decisions I’ve made for my health. Francia was amazing at coordinating all my consultations and making the whole process easy and stress-free. If you’re dealing with knee pain and looking for a reliable doctor and team, I highly recommend them. ”Roger L
“Dr. Ghattas was terrific today. He spent a good amount of time examining me and explaining the regenerative process which I intend to have done next month. More to come after the procedure.”Louie R
“I found Dr Ghattas and his staff very welcoming and informative. The process was well explained and gave me encouragement about the potential for fully restoring my knee joint integrity.”Eric C
“I received two treatments from Dr. Ghattas With excellent results, he takes great care in his assessment and in his treatment you couldn’t be in better hands. I highly recommend his work.”Gisela S
“Apart from the exemplary personal service by the reception and the staff that makes us feel we're at home at the clinic, I have experienced remarkable healing in several episodes from shoulder issue to knee injuries and hip pain. The doctor is so thorough in the diagnosis phase that he administered exactly what was needed, no more no less! Thank you folks for a wonderful experience.”RG G
“Went to Dr. Ghattas for chronic knee and neck issue. I’ve already had multiple procedures done on my neck and multiple epidurals with minimal success. My knee I was told needed surgery to fix. I already had surgery in the past with minimal difference. I ended up getting stem cells in my knee and neck and could t be happier with the outcome. Anyone considering surgery I recommend checking out Regenex first. Next I’m doing the ganglion block and look forward to the results.”Logan H
“Dr. James Ghattas and his team are truly top-notch. His office is equipped with state-of-the-art technology and a staff that's exceptional in their fields. I've referred several clients to him, and they've all been incredibly satisfied. Dr. Ghattas is absolutely ahead of the curve, and I wholeheartedly endorse his work.”Ron H
“I am quite active and go to pilates 3-4 times per week. I was having left knee pain and which was treated with PRP. It took about 3 months for me to feel better but then the pain completely subsided. I now am able to exercise without the fear that I will tear a ligament and am pain free.”Ellipsis P
“Transparency, thoroughness, attention to detail, immediate, high quality, follow ups and follow through are just a few words that come to mind throughout my experiences with Palm Beach Regenerative Sport and Spine.”Milton L
