As people age, many decrease their level of sport or activity, and nonsurgical treatment is always an option for patients with ACL injury who are willing to stop cutting and pivoting sports, or work and activities requiring walking on unstable ground or terrain. Knee injuries create physical restrictions for many patients over the age of 40 that remain very active. Different types of ACL injuries can occur in both athletes and non-athletes. If the individual wishes to maintain a high level of activity, reconstructive surgery may be the best option. In clinical studies, it has been concluded that surgical management is the optimal treatment strategy for an ACL rupture in patients ages 40 years or older.
Dr. Lubowitz has published research on treatment options: Operative Versus Nonoperative Treatment of Anterior Cruciate Ligament Rupture in Patients Aged 40 Years or Older.