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Can an ACL Tear Heal Without Surgery?

In short, no. While the pain and swelling from an ACL tear will improve within days to weeks, this does not mean that the ACL is healing; rather, it indicates the swelling following the tear is decreasing. 

While an ACL cannot heal without surgery, this does not mean surgery is always necessary. Many individuals with ACL tears never notice they are injured and are not limited in their daily activities by the tear. 

It is not harmful to wait for surgery; months to years may pass between diagnosis and your operation. This wait has little effect on the outcome of surgery. However, some other knee injuries require immediate surgery. If you have a painful knee injury, you should see a doctor as soon as possible.

What is ACL Knee Surgery?

When is ACL Surgery Necessary?

Is ACL Surgery a Major Surgery?

How long does it take to recover from ACL surgery?

How soon can I return to work after ACL surgery?

* Savings estimate based on a study of more than 1 billion claims comparing self-pay (or cash pay) prices of a frequency-weighted market basket of procedures to insurer-negotiated rates for the same. Claims were collected between July 2017 and July 2019. R.Lawrence Van Horn, Arthur Laffer, Robert L.Metcalf. 2019. The Transformative Potential for Price Transparency in Healthcare: Benefits for Consumers and Providers. Health Management Policy and Innovation, Volume 4, Issue 3.

Sidecar Health offers and administers a variety of plans including ACA compliant and excepted benefit plans. Coverage and plan options may vary or may not be available in all states.

Your actual costs may be higher or lower than these cost estimates. Check with your provider and health plan details to confirm the costs that you may be charged for a service or procedure.You are responsible for costs that are not covered and for getting any pre-authorizations or referrals required by your health plan. Neither payments nor benefits are guaranteed. Provider data, including price data, provided in part by Turquoise Health.

The site is not a substitute for medical or healthcare advice and does not serve as a recommendation for a particular provider or type of medical or healthcare.