Q: I am a 32 years old man who did an MRI of the left knee and the impression was full thickness tear of the anterior cruciate ligament. The doctor suggested surgery to reconstruct the ligament because it had gone flat. The ligament could not be seen anywhere. Is surgery the only way to treat it?

A:Surgery is not the only option. If your physical activity levels are low, or are willing to reduce your sporting activities, you can manage in spite of a torn ACL with physiotherapy, by developing your thigh muscles. The reason to do surgery is repeated injury giving way, or pain or swelling in the knee.