What is the situation on anterior cruciate ligament tears, treatment, recovery function and long term functional results? Is there any room for non-surgical treatment? Current concepts
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rccot.2017.03.007Keywords:
anterior cruciate ligament, non-surgical treatment, injury preventionAbstract
The natural history and treatment of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries are controversial as the joint becomes less functional after its rupture in some individuals, while in others it remains relatively asymptomatic and the patient is capable of returning to a demanding sports activity, at least for a while. One may then ask: Is the ACL rupture the beginning of the end of an athlete’s career, as has been suggested, or can most patients with such lesions respond well to conservative treatment and resume unrestricted sports activities? Although there are no definitive answers to this question, the information available in the literature and experience can help to define what should be the treatment and to appropriately select the patients who would respond well to a surgical intervention. In addition, identifying individuals at risk of ACL rupture, whether first time or repeated, may also help prevent these injuries. In this paper, a review of the subject is presented, and should serve as a guide to make the best decision when an orthopaedic surgeon is faced with a patient with rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament.
Evidence level: IV.
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