Functional restoration following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction in active-duty military personnel

A retrospective review was conducted of 112 active-duty military patients receiving anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction between 1985 and 1987. Mean age of these patients was 26.4 years, average follow-up was 2.35 years, and the average interval from time of injury to reconstruction was 13.6 months. The three most commonly employed surgical techniques were the Andrews' iliotibial band tenodesis, mid-third patellar tendon autograft, and a combined Andrews' and mid-third patellar tendon reconstruction. Seventy-eight patients (69.6%) returned to full duty and the ultimate disposition was not affected by the reconstructive procedure performed, chronicity of injury, or sex. A statistically higher percentage of patients over 30 years old returned to full unrestricted military service than did patients under 30. Associated posterior cruciate injury and degenerative joint disease resulted in poorer results. Our results demonstrate that functional restoration, based on the occupational criteria of return to full unrestricted duty, is likely following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction.