Reducing the risk of a reinjury following ACL reconstruction: What factors should be used to allow unrestricted return to sports activities?

Abstract

Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries most commonly occur in athletes under 25 years of age who participate in high school, collegiate, or league sports. The immediate goals and expectations of ACL reconstruction for these individuals are to stabilize the knee to prevent future reinjuries and allow a safe return to previous levels of activity. Long-term goals include maintenance of an active lifestyle and the prevention of osteoarthritis that is frequently found in ACL-de fi cient knees, especially those that undergo meniscectomy [41, 56].