Anterior Cruciate Ligament Surgery 1996

During the past 20 years, numerous basic science and clinical studies have improved the treatment of the anterior cruciate ligament deficient knee. As our understanding of the short term and long term morbidity caused by the torn anterior cruciate ligament has improved, and the morbidity of surgical reconstruction has decreased, the indications for anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction have widened. Anatomic placement of the anterior cruciate ligament graft has improved the outcome of surgery, although various techniques are used to achieve that goal. The patellar tendon autograft has been established as the gold standard graft choice, but several graft choices are available, and have given similar results in early followup. One of the major advances in anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction has been the acceptance of early range of motion and controlled endurance and strength training during the postoperative period.