Bilateral simultaneous anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: A case series and review of the literature

Bilateral ACL rupture is a relatively uncommon injury with an incidence of 2–4%. Most bilateral ACL rupture occurs at two different times, but few cases of single-staged bilateral ACL ruptures have also been reported. There have been reports of both single-staged, and two-staged reconstruction of bilateral ACL ruptures in the literature but without a clear consensus. We present a series of five bilateral ACL rupture cases managed by single-staged arthroscopic ACL reconstruction, using quadrupled hamstring grafts. All of them were young males, with an average age of 26.8 years (Range: 19–39 years). Three out of five of these cases (60%) had sustained the injury to both the knees simultaneously while playing sports. All the five patients had generalized joint laxity with significant hyperextension of their knees. All the ten knees (in five patients) were clinically stable, at their last follow-ups. None of the knees had any early or late complications. A single-staged bilateral ACL reconstruction is a safe, reproducible, and cost-effective procedure for patients with a bilateral ACL deficient knee, in experienced hands.     

Revision anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction using the lateral third of the ipsilateral patellar tendon after failure of a central-third graft: a preliminary report on 10 patients

Long-term outcomes were reported for 10 (77%) of 13 cases of revision anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction using the lateral third of the ipsilateral patellar tendon as a graft. All primary ACL reconstructions were ipsilateral central-third bone-patellar tendon-bone graft procedures. Mean age at follow-up was 30.7 years, and mean time from revision ACL surgery to follow-up was 42.9 months. At follow-up, average KT-1000 difference between knees was 2.4 mm. All patients had a negative pivot shift, extension within 5 degrees of the contralateral knee, and flexion within 15 degrees. Mean bilateral comparison ratios for isokinetic strength and hop testing were: extension, 83.5%; flexion, 96%; and single-leg hop 96.9%. No patella fractures or tendon ruptures had occurred. All patients had returned to their previous work level, and 8 of the 10 patients could participate in at least "moderate" sports activities (e.g., skiing and tennis). The results were comparable to published outcome reports for both primary and revision ACL reconstruction. The lateral third of the ipsilateral patellar tendon is a good graft option for revision ACL reconstruction.     

Central third bone-patellar tendon-bone arthroscopic anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: a 4-year follow-up

This prospective study reports the 4-year follow-up results of 56 patients (44 males and 12 females) who underwent arthroscopic reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) using a central third bone-patellar tendon-bone free autologous graft and assesses the mid-term effectiveness of this technique. Mean patient age was 30.2 years (range: 17-44 years). Sports injuries were the primary cause of ACL deficiency in 93% of patients. All knees had an isolated ACL tear, and 31 had associated meniscal or chondral lesions. Patients in the acute phase did not undergo surgery for 3-4 weeks. In patients with subacute and chronic ACL ruptures, the mean interval between injury and surgery was 62 weeks (range: 8-104 weeks). According to the International Knee Documentation Committee grading system, 53 (95%) knees were considered normal or nearly normal postoperatively. Improvement by at least 1 grade was noted in 12 knees, 30 knees had an improvement of at least 2 grades, 12 knees had a 3-grade improvement, and 1 had a grade that remained unchanged. One knee deteriorated from a grade C to a grade D, which was attributed to graft lysis 1 year postoperatively. For best results, subacute reconstruction between 3 and 5 weeks postinjury is recommended.     

The value of conservative treatment in ruptures of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL)

BACKGROUND: Thirty-eight of the 73 consecutive acute ruptures of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) proven by a magnetic resonance imaging scan (MRI) in skeletally mature patients (16-55 years old) were classified as suitable for primarily conservative treatment. Patient selection was performed using a preoperative screening protocol based on the structural damage, clinical symptoms, compliance, sportive activity, and the consent of a well-informed patient. METHODS: In 12 of the 38 treated patients, the conservative protocol showed a good to very good outcome, 2 patients had persistent giving-way and were considering ACL reconstruction, 14 patients had a secondary ACL reconstruction in our clinic (average 5.3 months after injury), 9 patients were operated on in other hospitals (average 13.3 months after injury), and 1 patient was lost to follow-up. RESULTS: All patients with successful conservative treatment were able to perform low-risk pivoting sports and two patients are practicing high-risk pivoting sports. The average International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) score was 92.5 (82.8-98.9); the subjective overall knee function was 93% (60% to 100%). Of the 12 patients with good and very good results, 6 continued playing the same sports at an unreduced intensity, 4 patients reduced their activities slightly, and 1 patient played more sports than before. CONCLUSIONS: Although the authors performed a preoperative screening to select patients suitable for conservative treatment, almost two-thirds of the primarily conservatively treated ACL ruptures needed an operative reconstruction in the long term. In one-third of the patients, conservative treatment led to a good or very good result. At the endpoint of the study only 12 (16%) of a total of 73 patients with acute injuries of the ACL had successful conservative treatment. Therefore, patients must be comprehensively instructed about the treatment program and the chances of success of conservative ACL treatment.     

When is surgery indicated in anterior knee instability? Considerations on operative and functional treatment

Rupture of the ACL may result in chronic anterior knee instability. However, in the majority of patients the secondary stabilizers of the joint such as collateral ligaments, menisci, and the capsule will compensate for this instability. We recommend surgical reconstruction of the acute rupture of the ACL only in the young, active athlete. Concomitant ruptures of capsuloligamentuous structures do not indicate surgical treatment: they may be treated by a plaster cast or a splint with good results. Chronic symptomatic anterior knee instability should first be treated by a vigorous muscle-training program. Surgery is performed only for those patients who cannot compensate for their instability after this rehabilitation program.     

Pre-operative Static Anterior Tibial Translation Assessed on MRI Does Not Influence Return to Sport or Satisfaction After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction

Background

It has been suggested that the degree of anterior tibial translation (ATT) as measured passively on imaging studies (static ATT) after an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury may influence outcomes after ACL reconstruction. However, there is a lack of evidence supporting these suggestions.

Questions/Purposes

The purpose of this retrospective prognostic study was to assess the predictive value of pre-operative static ATT in knees with ACL injury on return to sport and in satisfaction after ACL reconstruction. Our hypothesis was that greater static ATT would be associated with lower rates of return to sport and lower levels of satisfaction.

Methods

Patients treated with ACL reconstruction were identified from an institutional registry and assigned to one of three groups according to their ACL injury type: acute ACL injury, chronic ACL injury, and failed ACL reconstruction. ATT in each knee compartment was measured using magnetic resonance imaging, and a retrospective telephone questionnaire was used to investigate post-ACL reconstruction return to sport and subjects’ satisfaction.

Results

One hundred thirty patients (52 acute with ACL injury, 29 with chronic ACL injury, and 49 with failed ACL reconstruction) completed the questionnaire, with a mean follow-up of 5.67 years. Ninety-seven patients (74.6%) returned to their primary sport, of whom 63 (65%) returned to the same level of sport. The mean time to return to sport was 10.1 months (range, 2 to 24 months). Overall, 113 patients (87%) were either very satisfied or satisfied with their outcomes. No difference in medial or lateral ATT was found between patients who returned to sport and those who did not. The failed-ACL reconstruction group had significantly lower rates of return to sport than did acutely and chronically injured patients (60.4% versus 88.5% and 75.9%, respectively).

Conclusion

The degree of pre-operative ATT in an ACL-deficient knee was not correlated with return to sport or satisfaction after ACL reconstruction. In this study cohort, only failed-ACL reconstruction patients undergoing revision ACL reconstruction were significantly less likely to return to their main sport. They were also less likely to return to sport at their pre-operative level, if they did return to sport.

     

Intra-articular mechanical blocks and full extension in patients undergoing anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction.

Patients with acute anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) rupture frequently present with a lack of full extension. Current literature is unclear whether arthroscopic debridement is necessary before reconstruction to achieve full extension postoperatively. This study examined the postoperative extension achieved in 153 knees that underwent ACL reconstruction within 12 weeks of index injury. All patients performed preoperative physical therapy to increase range of motion and control pain/swelling, regardless of presenting range of motion without prior aspiration or arthroscopy. Of the 153 knees, 103 had meniscal pathology, of which 73 were peripheral vertical tears; 96 of the 153 knees lacked >/=3 degrees extension preoperatively. Five of 96 knees had an intra-articular mechanical block to extension and all regained full extension after ACL reconstruction. This study documented that a true intra-articular mechanical block is unusual in primary ACL ruptures. Lack of full extension can be adequately dealt with during surgical reconstruction without a detrimental effect on knee extension postoperatively.     

Arthroscopy of traumatic hemarthrosis following sports injuries. A 5 year analysis

This retrospective study was made to evaluate the significance of different sports activities that cause variable haemarthrosis with intraarticular lesions of the knee joint. Throughout 1984 to 1988 arthroscopy was performed in 337 patients with acute haemarthrosis. The average time between trauma and arthroscopy was 8 days. ACL rupture was diagnosed in most of these cases. Regarding the different types of sport activities ACL lesions were found in skiers (74%), other winter sports (47%), soccer (53%), tennis and squash (58%), athletics (41%) and indoor (61%). Peripheral meniscus tears associated with haemarthrosis were found in 36% and patellar dislocations in 8%. Isolated MCL ruptures were diagnosed clinically and arthroscopy was not performed in these cases. Throughout 1987 isolated ACL ruptures were fixed by reattachment. This technique was not continued any longer and ACL replacement by patellar tendon as bone-ligament-bone was performed routinely since 1988 in those patients, who required surgery. 56 patients required ACL reconstruction following conservative treatment because of ACL deficiency, when they went back to sports activities. Longitudinal peripheral meniscus tears were fixed by the scape in inside-out technique.     

The early treatment of motion complications after reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament.

The use of active and passive knee motion in the immediate postoperative period and a treatment plan for early postoperative limitations in knee motion has proven highly effective in restoring motion after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. Of 207 knees, 189 (91%) regained a full range of motion of 0 degrees-135 degrees. The remaining 18 knees (9%) did not regain motion as rapidly as the others and were placed in an early postoperative phased treatment program. Six knees had serial extension casts, nine had early gentle manipulation under anesthesia, and three had arthroscopic lysis of intraarticular adhesions and scar tissue. Fourteen of these 18 knees regained a full range of knee motion. Two of the remaining four knees lacked 5 degrees of full extension, whereas the other two, in patients who had failed to follow medical advice and the rehabilitation program, had permanent and significant limitation of motion. The incidence of postoperative motion problems was related to the extent of the surgical procedure. The incidence was 4% in patients who had only ACL reconstruction, 10% in cases in which added lateral extraarticular procedure had been done, 12% where a meniscus repair had been done, and 23% where a medial collateral ligament repair was done.     

Primary repair of the cruciate and collateral ligaments after traumatic dislocation of the knee

The management of traumatic dislocation of the knee in 40 patients (41 knees) with a mean age of 26.3 years is described. They were treated by primary repair and reconstruction with autologous grafting of the anterior (ACL) and posterior cruciate ligaments (PCL) and repair injuries to the collateral ligament and soft-tissue. The ACL and PCL were reconstructed using the patellar tendon and the gracilis and semitendinosus tendons, respectively. Early mobilisation using a continuous-passive-movement machine and active exercises was started on the second day after operation. At a mean follow-up of 39 months no patient reported 'giving way' and all except one had good range of movement. Of the 41 knees, 21 were rated as excellent, 15 good, four fair and one poor. Early reconstruction of the cruciate ligaments and primary repair of the collateral ligaments followed by an aggressive rehabilitation programme are recommended for these young, active patients.     

Primary repair plus intra-articular iliotibial band augmentation in the treatment of an acute anterior cruciate ligament rupture

Between September 1987 and November 1989, we treated 90 consecutive patients with an acute anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) rupture with the multiple suture technique and iliotibial band augmentation. Seventy of these patients were re-examined 2 to 5 years after the operation (mean 3.5 years), the examination consisting of a questionnaire, clinical examination, laxity tests with the KSS machine (Acufex), radiological examination and isokinetic muscle strength testing (Cybex 6000). There were 32 men and 38 women (mean age 34 years). The injury was sustained in sports in 44 (63%) cases, and the sports most frequently involved were downhill skiing (18 cases), soccer (9 cases) and volleyball (5 cases). Of the injuries, 38 were isolated ACL ruptures and 31, ACL ruptures combined with a medial CL rupture. In 9 cases, an additional meniscus injury and in one case an additional posterior CL - lateral CL rupture was found. At the follow-up, 55 patients (79%) were satisfied with the end result, and according to our objective functional criteria 55 (79%) had an excellent or good outcome. According to the Lysholm score, 53 (76%) patients were excellent or good ( 82 points). In the Lachman test, 29 knees (41%) were completely stable. The Lachman test was mildy positive in 40 knees (57%) (36 had 1+ laxity and 4, 2+ laxity), and one patient had 3+ laxity with a hard end-point. Similarly, the anterior drawer test was negative in 53 knees (76%); and the other 17 (24%) had mild laxity (16 had 1+ laxity and 1, 2+ laxity). The total anterior-posterior laxity measured with the KSS averaged 9.7 ± 3.5 mm in the injured knee and 7.3 + 3.0 mm in the uninjured knee (the laxity measured at a knee angle of 20° of flexion). Corresponding values at a knee angle of 90° of flexion were 6.1 ± 2.4 mm and 4.7 ± 1.9 mm, respectively. The pivot shift test was negative in 62 patients (89%) and l+ positive in the remaining 8 patients (11%). Fifty-eight patients (83%) had full knee extension and 40 patients (57%), full knee flexion. Compared with the uninjured knee, the operated knees showed an average 14% strength deficit in isokinetic knee extension and 6% deficit in flexion at the speed of 60°/s. At the speed of 180°/s, the corresponding deficits were 8% and 4%, respectively. Of the 44 patients who were active in sport before the injury, 40 (91%) were able to return to sports. A flexion deficit of 5° or more was associated with thigh muscle atrophy (P < 0.05) and quadriceps weakness, both at the slow speed (P < 0.05) and high speed (P < 0.001) of the isokinetic movement. In conclusion, in an acute rupture of the ACL, primary repair of the ligament with intraarticular iliotibial band augmentation seems to be a good method to restore the functional capacity of the injured knee.     

Posterior cruciate ligament replacement with a two-strand quadriceps tendon-patellar bone autograft and a tibial inlay technique

BACKGROUND: Complete ruptures of the posterior cruciate ligament alter knee kinematics and may result in functional limitations with sports and daily activities. We prospectively evaluated the functional results and knee stability after posterior cruciate ligament replacement with use of a two-strand quadriceps tendon-patellar bone autograft and a tibial inlay technique. METHODS: Nineteen patients were followed for a mean of thirty-five months postoperatively. All had a chronic knee injury, and eight had additional ligament reconstructions. The results were measured with stress radiography, arthrometric testing, and two validated knee-rating instruments. RESULTS: Eighteen patients rated the knee condition as improved. Before surgery, eleven patients had pain with daily activities, but only one had such pain at the time of the latest follow-up. Significant improvements were noted for pain, swelling, giving-way, walking, climbing stairs, squatting, running, jumping, and twisting and turning (all p < or = 0.05). Eleven patients returned to low-impact sports, and two patients were able to participate in strenuous sports without problems. At the time of the latest follow-up, stress radiography revealed that fourteen knees had < or =5 mm of increased posterior tibial translation between the reconstructed and the contralateral side, three knees had 6 to 10 mm, and two knees had >10 mm. No knee had an infection, permanent limitation of knee motion, or patellar fracture. CONCLUSIONS: Posterior cruciate ligament replacement produced reasonable subjective, functional, and objective results in this group of complex, chronic knee injuries. The tibial inlay approach was useful in nine revisions in which prior tibial tunnels had to be avoided.     

Arthroscopic anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction with quadriceps tendon-patellar bone autograft

BACKGROUND: Surgical reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is indicated in the ACL-deficient knee with symptomatic instability and multiple ligaments injuries. Bone patellar tendon-bone and the hamstring tendon generally have been used. In the present study, we describe an alternative graft, the quadriceps tendon-patellar bone autograft, by using arthroscopic ACL reconstruction. METHODS: From March of 1996 through March of 1997, a quadriceps tendon-patellar bone autograft was used in 12 patients with ACL injuries. RESULTS: After 15 to 24 months of follow-up, the clinical outcome for those patients with this graft have been encouraging. Ten patients could return to the same or a higher level of preinjury sports activity. According to the International Knee Documentation Committee rating system, 10 of the 12 patients had normal or nearly normal ratings. Recovery of quadriceps muscle strength to 80% of the normal knee was achieved in 11 patients in 1 year. CONCLUSION: The advantages of the quadriceps tendon graft include the following: the graft is larger and stronger than the patellar tendon; morbidity of harvest technique and donor site is less than that of patellar tendon graft; there is little quadriceps inhibition after quadriceps harvest; there is quicker return to sports activities with aggressive rehabilitation. A quadriceps tendon-patellar autograft is a reasonable alternative to ACL reconstruction in patients who are not suitable for either a bone-patellar tendon-bone autograft or a hamstring tendon autograft.     

Accelerated rehabilitation after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction

Presented at the 15th annual meeting of the AOSSM, Traverse City, MI, July 1989. Address reprint requests to: K. Donald Shelbourne, MD, Methodist Sports Medicine Center, 1815 North Capitol Avenue, Suite 530, Indianapolis, IN 46202.To overcome many of the complications after ACL reconstruction (prolonged knee stiffness, limitation of complex extension, delay in strength recovery, anterior knee pain), yet still maintain knee stability, we developed a rehabilitation protocol that emphasizes full knee extension on the first postoperative day and immediate weightbearing according to the patient's tolerance. Of 800 patients who underwent intraarticuar ACL patellar tendon-bone graft reconstruction, performed by the same surgeon, the last 450 patients have followed the accelerated rehabilitation schedule as outlined in the protocol. A longer than 2 year followup is recorded for 73 of the patients in the accelerated rehabilitation group. On the 1st postoperative day, we encouraged these patients to walk with full weightbearing and full knee extension. By the 2nd postoperative week, the patients with a 100 degrees range of motion participated in a guided exercise and strengthening program. By the 4th week, patients were permitted unlimited activities of daily living and were allowed to return to light sports activities as early as the 8th week if the Cybex strength scores of the involved extremity exceeded 70% of the scores of the noninvolved extremity and the patient had completed a sport-specific functional/agility program. The patient database was compiled from frequent clinical examinations, periodic knee questionnaires, and objective information, such as range of motion measurements, KT-1000 values, and Cybex strength scores. A series of graft biopsies obtained at various times have revealed no adverse histologic reaction. The evidence indicates that in this population, the accelerated rehabilitation program has been more effective than our initial program in reducing limitations of motion (particularly knee extension) and loss of strength while maintaining stability and preventing anterior knee pain. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 1992;15(6):256-264.     

The late course of acute partial anterior cruciate ligament tears. A nine to 15-year follow-up evaluation.

Twenty-two patients had an acute anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear. Nineteen patients were treated conservatively, except for associated injuries. In three patients, a reinsertion of the torn portion of the ACL was done surgically. All patients were reexamined after nine to 15 years with special emphasis on stability testing; this was done manually and with instruments. Knee function score and activity level were also measured. Standing roentgenograms with the knee in slight flexion were taken as well. At follow-up examination, none of the patients had needed ACL reconstruction. Knee function was good, with a mean Lysholm score of 93 points. Patients had changed activities from recreational team sports to light individual sports. Manual laxity values were similar to the values obtained at the time of initial injury. A 1-mm sagittal laxity increase was found on the injured knee with the Stryker laxity tester. Slight signs for osteoarthrosis were found in more than half of the knees, mainly in cases with chondral fractures or meniscectomy. In general, conservative treatment had a good long-term prognosis.     

A comparison of outcomes at 2 to 6 years after acute and chronic anterior cruciate ligament reconstructions using hamstring tendon grafts

Purpose: To compare short- to intermediate-term outcomes of patients in whom an acute or chronic anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction was performed with a hamstring tendon graft. Type of Study: A consecutive case series of patients who had 2-incision, arthroscopically assisted ACL reconstructions with a triple-strand hamstring tendon graft was retrospectively evaluated. Methods: A total of 120 patients were evaluated at a mean of 44 months. The Tegner Activity Scale, individual components of the Cincinnati Knee Rating System, and the modified Lysholm Score were administered to all patients. A total of 93 patients (78%) returned for examination, instrumented ligament laxity testing, radiographs, isokinetic strength testing, and completion of the IKDC Standard Knee Ligament Evaluation Form. Data from patients undergoing reconstructions for acute and chronic ACL deficiencies were compared. The acute group was defined as reconstruction within 6 weeks of injury without recurrent episodes of instability. Results: At surgery, significantly more (P <.05) cartilage abnormalities and partial medial menisectomies were found in the chronic group. At final follow-up, no significant differences (P >.05) were found between the acute and chronic groups for instrumented laxity, muscle strength, knee motion, or sports activity level. The acute group scored significantly higher (P <.05) on the Lysholm scale, Cincinnati Function scale, IKDC subjective assessment, and IKDC rating for pain at follow-up. The final IKDC grade resulted in significantly more (P =.039) normal knees for the acute group; however, 94.1% of acute and 92.9% of chronic knees were graded normal or nearly normal. Conclusions: Hamstring tendons are an excellent graft choice for ACL reconstruction in both acute and chronic injuries. According to the strict IKDC rating system, greater than 90% of all patients can be expected to have a normal or nearly normal knee at short- to intermediate-term follow-up; however, the chronic group will have fewer patients with a rating of normal.Arthroscopy: The Journal of Arthroscopic and Related Surgery, Vol 17, No 4 (April), 2001: pp 383–392     

Proposed practice guidelines for nonoperative anterior cruciate ligament rehabilitation of physically active individuals

Nonoperative management of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) rupture has not been a successful option for those who participate in high-level physical activity. However, there are instances when patients may want to attempt to return to physically demanding activities with nonoperative rehabilitation for an ACL injury. The purpose of this commentary is to describe guidelines for nonoperative management of physically active individuals with ACL injuries who wish to return to preinjury levels of physical activity. The guidelines are based on the results of 2 clinical studies that improved the overall success of nonoperative management of physically active individuals with ACL ruptures. A decision-making process for selecting appropriate candidates for nonoperative management (rehabilitation candidates) is described. Individuals are classified as rehabilitation candidates if they have no concomitant ligament or mensical damage associated with the ACL injury, have a unilateral ACL injury, and meet all 4 of the following criteria: (1) timed hop test score of 80% or more of the uninjured limb, (2) Knee Outcome Survey Activities of Daily Living Scale score of 80% or more, (3) global rating of knee function of 60% or more, and (4) no more than 1 episode of giving way since the incident injury to the time of testing. Individuals meeting the criteria of a rehabilitation candidate undergo an intensive rehabilitation program before returning to high-level activity. The rehabilitation program consisting of lower extremity muscle strength training, cardiovascular endurance training, agility and sport-specific skill training, and a training program using balance perturbations is described.     

Value of computerized tomography and nuclear magnetic resonance tomography in preoperative diagnosis of meniscus lesions and ligamentous lesions of the knee joint

In a prospective study, 53 patients with chronic complaints and acute injuries of the knee joint, were evaluated by clinical examination, CT-scanning and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Subsequently, arthroscopy or an open surgical procedure was performed. A total of 21 patients suffered from meniscal lesions. There were 17 ruptures of the medial and 4 ruptures of the lateral meniscus. In patients with meniscus ruptures, the sensitivity of both MRI and CT-scan was 86%, whereas the specificity of MRI was slightly lower than that of CT-scan. The accuracy and the predictive value were also slightly lower, although the difference was not significant. Fifteen patients suffered from acute or chronic ligament ruptures. In patients with anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) ruptures, all complete ACL ruptures had correctly been diagnosed by CT and MRI. Two out of four partial ACL ruptures were missed by MRI; only one was missed by CT-scan. Three medial collateral ligament ruptures were documented by MRI and two by CT-scanning. The high negative predictive value of CT and MRI can realize a reduction of the amount of diagnostic arthroscopies.     

Partial tears of the anterior cruciate ligament. Progression to complete ligament deficiency

In a prospective seven-year study, we treated 32 patients with partial ruptures of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) verified by arthroscopy. Twelve knees (38%) progressed to complete ACL deficiency with positive pivot shift tests and increased anteroposterior translation on tests with the KT-1000 arthrometer. Patients with partial ACL tears frequently had limitation for strenuous sports, while those developing ACL deficiency had additional functional limitations involving recreational activities. Three factors were statistically significant in predicting which partial tears would develop complete ACL deficiency: the amount of ligament tearing--one-fourth tears infrequently progressed, one-half tears progressed in 50% and three-fourth tears in 86%; a subtle increase in initial anterior translation; and the occurrence of a subsequent re-injury with giving-way.     

Suggestions from the field for return-to-sport rehabilitation following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: alpine skiing

Alpine skiing is a high-risk sport for injuries to the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). While descending a hill, a skier must resist large centrifugal forces at a high velocity, while the knees are positioned in postures that place the ACL at risk of injury. Skiers who undergo ACL reconstructive surgery are prone to a high rate of reinjury to the same knee and even ACL injury in the uninjured knee. A rehabilitation program that integrates the best current evidence of ACL rehabilitation and the science of skiing is essential to a successful return to alpine skiing. Unlike rehabilitation programs developed for court or field athletes, a skiing program must place a large emphasis on slow eccentric-loading and weight-bearing (closed-chain) power and endurance. The purpose of this clinical commentary is to provide the rehabilitation specialist such a program directed toward safely returning the athlete to alpine skiing.