A torn ACL is generally considered worse than many broken bones because it often requires surgery and has a longer, more complex rehabilitation process. While broken bones heal independently (often stronger) in 2–3 months, a full ACL tear can take 6–12 months to recover, and the ligament often requires surgical reconstruction.

What's worse, a broken bone or a torn ligament?

Broken bones, ligament or tendon is a painful thing. We should avoid them as much as possible. But why do bones heal better than ligaments/tendons? The short answer is because the bone has plenty of blood supply to it compared to ligament/tendon, which has very little and ligament/tendons are more complex to rebuild.

Is an ACL tear the worst injury?

Most people would agree that the ACL ligaments is the worst ligament to tear in the knee.

What is ACL surgery for dogs?

Cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) repair, also known as ACL surgery for dogs, is a common orthopedic procedure designed to stabilize the knee joint and restore mobility. A ruptured or torn CCL can lead to severe pain, lameness, and joint instability, ultimately causing osteoarthritis (OA) if left untreated.

Do you ever fully recover from an ACL tear?

A: It really all depends on the individual athletes. Realistically, it may take the ACL up to a year to remodel and return to full strength. However, we often see athletes returning to sports post-rehab as soon as six to nine months.

Which is Worse?

Is ACL one of the most painful surgeries?

ACL surgery can be very painful depending on the type of autograft harvested and the complexity of surgery undertaken. The postoperative pain can be reduced using local anaesthetic infiltration around the knee joint after the surgery as well as using peripheral nerve blocks.

How much does it cost to fix an ACL on a dog?

Dog ACL (CCL) surgery costs typically range from $1,500 to $7,000+, depending heavily on the surgical method (Lateral Suture is cheaper, while TPLO or TTA are more costly), your dog's size, location, and added expenses like diagnostics, medication, and rehab, with advanced procedures costing $3,000-$6,000+ for better long-term results.
 

Can a dog live comfortably with a torn ACL?

Brumett said dogs who have a cruciate ligament rupture but don't have surgery, rehab, or bracing can develop some level of stability on their own in 6 to 12 months—and these dogs are typically comfortable walking, running, or jumping. With a brace, a dog can be back out playing in just a few weeks.

Is ACL surgery on a dog worth it?

Yes, dog ACL (CCL) surgery is generally considered worth it for most medium-to-large dogs, offering the best chance to restore function, relieve chronic pain, prevent severe arthritis, and improve quality of life, though it's a significant commitment in cost and post-op care. While non-surgical options exist, they often fail to restore full mobility and lead to worse long-term outcomes like significant arthritis, making surgery a highly recommended treatment for active pets.

Is an ACL tear a traumatic injury?

The ACL can also tear when a person jumps and lands awkwardly. In some cases, ACL tears are caused by a traumatic injury such as a vehicular accident or a violent tackle.

Which type of break is the most severe?

An open reduction requires surgery to realign the bone. An open reduction may also require pins, screws, or wires to fix the bone pieces in place. Comminuted fractures are among the most severe types of breaks.

What hurts more than a broken bone?

Sometimes, soft tissue injuries can be more painful and require a longer recovery time than broken bones, depending on their nature and severity.

Do people put dogs down for torn ACL?

Since this type of injury is treatable, it's rarely (if ever) medically necessary to euthanise a dog with an ACL tear. However, there are other factors to consider, including the opinion of your veterinarian and the condition of your dog and their quality of life.

Do dogs cry with torn ACL?

True traumatic ACL rupture is rare in dogs. We know when it happens because affected dogs display overt signs of pain. The commonest form of canine ACL injury is gradual degeneration. Affected dogs rarely scream, yelp or whine.

What happens if you don't fix an ACL tear in a dog?

Your dog will begin favoring the non-injured leg. While the injured knee is becoming less and less used because of the partial tearing, additional pressure is put on the other knee. This is one reason why in 60% of cases, a cruciate ligament tear in one knee will later lead to an injury of the other knee.

Is it painful for a dog to live with a torn ACL?

Yes, a tear of the CCL is very painful and your dog will often cry out and begin limping when the ligament completely tears. Most dogs will still try to walk on the leg with a torn CCL, but they will exhibit a limp. If your dog is limping, it means they are experiencing pain.

Why is an ACL tear so devastating?

An ACL tear can increase one's susceptibility to knee osteoarthritis, a degenerative joint disease. This is because the tear changes the mechanics of the knee, causing wear and tear on the cartilage, eventually leading to osteoarthritis. As a result, even after the ACL has healed, long-term complications can persist.

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