Who should consider arthroscopic anterior cruciate ligament (acl) reconstruction?
The ultimate decision to surgically reconstruct the ACL depends greatly on the patient’s post-injury knee stability, ability to carry out activities of daily living, activities and athletic endeavors, and expectations to return to such activities. Arthroscopic ACL reconstruction is considered when: • The patient is a young individual or athlete who will be at significant risk for disability and/or further knee injury if normal knee mechanics are not restored • The episodes of instability are a significant problem for the patient, and inhibit his or her ability to perform the activities of daily living, sporting activities, or job-specific requirements • The patient has truly exhausted non-operative treatments, like physical therapy, and are still having frequent giving-way episodes, instability, and an inability to perform the usual activities of daily living or walk without assistive devices such as crutches or a brace • There is concomitant injury to other structures in the knee • Th
