Surgery needed in case of absolute instability and demands of the pt. A sedentary worker with no significant instability can delay surgery. Delaying or avoiding surgery not a good idea as it can lead to early arthritis.

Hello.... First of all torn ACL can't heal by itself or by any medication. To make it 100% , surgery is the only option. ACL tear is of 3 grades. Grade 1. Partial tear say 20-30% tear, Grade 2. More than 50% tear and Grade 3. Complete tear. Person with ACL tear upto grade 2, don't really needs surgery until unless he/she has a very active and physically demanding work like dancing, sports person etc. Physiotherapy exercises and straightening do the most of the job for him/her. But for grade 3 ACL tear; surgery is advisable.

Hello dear ..It can be treated without surgery if injury greading less than 3 or 3..physiotherapy gives you very good results and save your knee.start physiotherapy as soon as possible..Thanks any other queries please contact me..

Yes it can be treated without surgery. First try physio to improve the strength of muscles around the joint. If you continue to have instability in the knee, then you can consider arthroscopic ACL reconstruction.