Knee injuries
Knee injuries
Knee injuries

Knee injuries: ACL, meniscus & cartilage

A twisting fall while skiing, a tackle on the football pitch or an awkward movement in everyday life – the knee is one of the most frequently injured joints. Common injuries include tears of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), meniscus tears, cartilage damage and an unstable kneecap.

Dr Christian Coppola, specialist in orthopaedics and trauma surgery, focuses on knee surgery and holds a PhD in knee biomechanics. At AGON in Sterzing/Vipiteno, he assesses your injury in detail, explains conservative and surgical options and supports your rehabilitation together with our physiotherapy team.

ACL tear

A feeling of instability and the knee "giving way" are typical signs. Whether conservative treatment with targeted training is enough or ACL reconstruction makes sense depends on your activity level, your sport and any associated injuries.

Dr Christian Coppola explaining a knee injury on a knee model

Meniscus injury

Pain when twisting the knee or squatting, as well as episodes of knee locking, may indicate a meniscal tear. At our practice, Dr. Coppola will discuss the exact nature of your injury and the available conservative and surgical treatment options to determine the best possible treatment for you.

Dr Christian Coppola explaining a knee injury on a knee model
Dr Christian Coppola explaining a knee injury on a knee model

Cartilage

Cartilage damage often causes pain under load and swelling. Depending on the findings, joint-preserving treatment or cartilage reconstruction may be considered.

Frequently asked questions about knee injuries

When should I see an orthopaedic specialist about a knee injury?
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As soon as possible if your knee swells up a lot after an accident, feels unstable, locks or cannot bear weight. Complaints that last longer than one or two weeks or keep coming back should also be assessed by an orthopaedic specialist.

Does an ACL tear always need surgery?
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No. The decision depends on factors such as age, sport, instability and associated injuries. Some patients do well with consistent conservative treatment, for others ACL reconstruction is the better choice.

Do I need an MRI?
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Dr Coppola decides after the clinical examination. An MRI shows ligaments, menisci and cartilage and is often helpful for knee injuries. Please bring any existing scans to your consultation.

Can I get a second opinion?
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Yes. If surgery has already been recommended to you, Dr Coppola reviews your reports and images with you and explains the pros and cons of the possible treatment options.

Dr Christian Coppola in his consultation room at AGON in Sterzing

Medical care & rehab under one roof

Whether you are treated conservatively or recovering from surgery, medical care and physiotherapy work hand in hand at AGON. Dr Coppola plans the treatment, carries out the check-ups and coordinates every rehab step directly with our physiotherapists – from the first mobilisation to your return to sport.

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