ACL injuries are common. Approximately 175,000 ACL reconstructions are performed every year in the United States. An ACL tear renders the knee unstable and without surgery most people cannot return to cutting and pivoting types of activity and athletics. Furthermore, a knee with an ACL tear that is not operated on has a significantly higher risk of developing subsequent tearing of the meniscus (cartilage) and degenerative arthritis. For these reasons, most athletically active patients opt to have their ACL reconstructed. Advancements in video technology and surgical instrumentation have allowed ACL operations to be carried out using very minimally invasive techniques. However, not all surgeons are able to offer these cutting-edge techniques as they require the development of new and often more challenging surgical skills that have a steep learning curve and take time to master. Several of our Yale Sports Medicine surgeons are involved in the teaching of these techniques at courses offered throughout the U.S. The surgical faculty are all fellowship-trained and board-certified in Orthopaedic Surgery and the majority are sub-specialty board certified in Orthopaedic Sports Medicine. The team also includes a number of renowned musculoskeletal radiologists who we routinely consult and collaborate with on all aspects of imaging, including plain X-ray, CT scan, and high-resolution MRI. Our anesthesia colleagues are experts in the most up-to-date regional anesthesia techniques so that post-operative pain is kept to a minimum. Experienced and skilled physical therapists also play a critical role on our team. Utilizing the most current machinery and “return to sport” assessment tools, they help us determine when patients are ready to get back into the game. A team of orthopaedic physician assistants, skilled nurses, and athletic trainers round out our comprehensive and compassionate approach to care. ACL reconstructive surgery involves “replacing” the torn tissue with a tendon either from the patient’s body (called an autograft) or from a cadaver (called an allograft). Traditionally, the two most common autografts used in ACL reconstruction have been the bone-patellar tendon-bone graft and hamstring tendons autograft. Recently, the use of the central third of the quadriceps tendon (from the front of the knee) has become more popular, and surgeons in our program are now utilizing this graft on a routine basis for ACL reconstruction. The quadriceps tendon graft is robust and very strong and has a lower incidence of some of the more common complications seen with other graft sources such as anterior knee pain and numbness about the knee. While use of the quadriceps tendon still only represents approximately 11% of all ACL operations, our Sports Medicine division is on the vanguard of this movement as we strive to offer our patients what we feel is the best possible treatment for their condition. Our surgeons are also proficient in “all-inside” ACL reconstructi

When a soccer injury happens, patients deserve the best and most advanced care, and rapid access to that care. Come to Yale Sports Medicine and work with a team of physicians, physical therapists, athletic trainers, and advanced practice providers who apply cutting-edge techniques to the treatment of every athlete. We keep up with the latest clinical evidence and conduct our own research to determine the most effective ways to get patients back on the field better, faster, safer, and stronger than ever. The Yale SportSafe Soccer Medicine Program offers comprehensive, advanced, and personalized care from Yale’s top specialists, who work together to treat soccer players of all levels, ages, and abilities. Yale Sports Medicine provides care for the men’s and women’s varsity soccer programs at Yale University. Our team also has treated soccer players from Inter Club, CFC, Everson Academy, and Bridgeport Premier soccer clubs, as well as multiple local high school soccer teams. Our chief of Sports Medicine, who has dedicated her life to soccer, serves as a team physician for U.S. soccer and has traveled with the U.S. Women’s U-20 National Team. Please fill out the appointment request form in order to be scheduled to see one of our team members within 1-2 business days. Our goal is to provide high-quality, efficient, and effective injury prevention/treatment to soccer players in our community regardless of age, skill level, or socioeconomic status. The SportSafe Soccer Medicine Team at Yale consists of world-class sports medicine physicians, advanced practice providers, physical therapists, and athletic trainers working in coordination at every step to diagnose, treat, and prevent injury. We have treated soccer players of all ages and skill levels and can tailor a recovery, rehabilitation, and prevention program to each player’s needs. From the professional to the recreational athlete—we have the experience and expertise required to make each patient a better player. This program is one of the largest multidisciplinary programs for soccer injury treatment and services in Connecticut. Comprehensive care of the soccer athlete begins at the pre-performance level. Our team approach includes the following: Pre-participation Screenings Performance Enhancement Injury Prevention/Treatment and rehabilitation Return to Sport Programs Educational Programs Research When it comes to soccer injury prevention, soccer athletes need an individualized program that focuses on their athletic form and performance, which can maximize their ability as an athlete while decreasing their risk of experiencing an injury. When soccer injuries occur, the Yale team will be able to provide the highest quality medical care in an efficient manner to safely return the athlete to their sport. Our team treats many soccer injuries, including (but not limited to): Foot and ankle injuries Muscle and tendon injuries such as hamstring strains Concussion Knee injuries, including ligament injur