ACL, MCL, or Meniscus Tear? Your Knee Injury Could Be Worth $50,000 to $200,000+

Adjusters call it a "knee sprain." But ICD-10 S83.5 documents ligament rupture—and reconstruction surgery changes everything.

The Four Major Knee Ligaments

Your knee contains four major ligaments that provide stability:

**ACL (Anterior Cruciate Ligament):** Prevents the tibia from sliding forward; most commonly torn in accidents.

**PCL (Posterior Cruciate Ligament):** Prevents the tibia from sliding backward; often injured in dashboard impacts.

**MCL (Medial Collateral Ligament):** Stabilizes the inner knee; injured by blows to the outside of the knee.

**LCL (Lateral Collateral Ligament):** Stabilizes the outer knee; less commonly injured.

The ICD-10 code S83.5 specifically identifies cruciate ligament injury (ACL or PCL). This is NOT a simple "knee sprain"—it's a structural injury that often requires surgical reconstruction.

Why Knee Ligament Injuries Are High-Value Claims

**Surgery is almost always required for ACL tears.** Unlike some injuries that can heal conservatively, complete ACL tears typically require reconstruction surgery. Surgical cases are worth significantly more.

**Recovery is lengthy and demanding.** ACL reconstruction requires 9-12 months of rehabilitation. During this time, you may be unable to work, drive, or perform normal activities.

**Future problems are virtually guaranteed.** Studies show: - 50-70% of ACL reconstruction patients develop arthritis within 15-20 years - Re-tear rates are 6-25% depending on age and activity - Many patients never return to pre-injury activity levels

**Multiple structures are often damaged.** ACL tears frequently occur with meniscus tears, MCL injuries, or bone bruises. Each additional injury increases claim value.

ACL Tears Don't Heal On Their Own

Key facts about knee ligament tears:

**ACL tears rarely heal on their own** due to poor blood supply to the ligament.

**Reconstruction surgery uses a tendon graft** to replace the torn ligament—either from your own body (autograft) or a donor (allograft).

**Full recovery takes 9-12 months** with intensive physical therapy.

**Even after successful surgery, the knee is never "normal" again.** Most patients have some permanent limitation.

**Post-traumatic arthritis develops in many patients** within 10-20 years, even after successful surgery.

This is why knee ligament injuries are among the most valuable personal injury claims—the long-term consequences are significant and well-documented.

What Insurance Companies Argue

**"It's just a sprain":** They'll use minimizing language. Reality: A ligament tear IS a sprain in medical terminology, but "sprain" sounds minor. Insist on specific diagnosis: "ACL rupture" or "complete ACL tear."

**"You can function without an ACL":** They'll argue surgery isn't necessary. Reality: While some people can function without an ACL, most experience instability that leads to further damage.

**"Sports injury, not accident-related":** They'll try to blame your activity level. Reality: The accident caused the tear, regardless of your fitness level.

**"Full recovery expected":** They'll minimize permanent effects. Reality: ACL reconstruction patients have 50-70% chance of developing arthritis.

**"Young patients heal well":** They'll argue your age means better outcomes. Reality: Younger patients also have more years to develop arthritis and face greater activity restrictions.

Injury Code Scanner

Select where it hurts to see potential ICD-10 codes in your medical records.

Understanding ICD-10 Code S83.5

S83.5 - Sprain of cruciate ligament of knee. Injury to the ACL or PCL—the ligaments that provide front-to-back stability in your knee. These are critical structural ligaments. Tears often require surgical reconstruction and extensive rehabilitation.

What is the average settlement for an ACL tear?

ACL tear settlements typically range from $50,000 to $200,000+, with the average falling between $75,000 and $150,000. Non-surgical cases (rare) average $30,000-$50,000, while surgical reconstruction cases average $100,000-$175,000. Multi-ligament injuries can exceed $250,000.

What does ICD-10 code S83.5 mean?

S83.5 indicates "Sprain of cruciate ligament of knee"—meaning injury to the ACL or PCL. Sub-code S83.51 specifically indicates ACL injury. This diagnosis documents structural ligament damage, not just a minor knee sprain.

How much is an ACL tear worth with surgery?

ACL reconstruction cases typically settle for $100,000 to $200,000+. Factors include: graft type used, success of surgery, associated injuries (meniscus tears), development of complications, and impact on work and activities. Failed reconstructions can push settlements to $250,000+.

Can I get compensation for future arthritis from my knee injury?

Yes. Studies show 50-70% of ACL injury patients develop post-traumatic arthritis within 15-20 years, even after successful surgery. This future medical need is compensable. Your settlement should account for future treatment costs and potential knee replacement.

What if I tore my ACL and meniscus together?

Combined ACL and meniscus tears are common and significantly increase claim value. The meniscus tear requires additional surgical repair, extends recovery time, and increases arthritis risk. Combined injuries typically settle for $125,000-$250,000+.

How long is recovery from ACL surgery?

Full recovery takes 9-12 months. The first 2 weeks involve rest and swelling management. Weeks 2-6 focus on regaining range of motion. Months 2-6 involve strengthening. Return to sports or heavy physical activity typically isn't cleared until 9-12 months.

Get Your Personalized Settlement Estimate

Our AI analyzes your specific injury codes and compares them to 50,000+ resolved cases. Know your true value in under 5 minutes.