[Early surgery for menisco-ligamental injuries in elite athletes]

For elite athletes with anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) rupture, surgical management in the acute phase has become widespread practice. After performing a selective review of the literature using PubMed, these results were compared with our own experience. Surgery including concomitant injuries should be performed within the first 48 h. The principal advantage for athletes is the possibility of an earlier return to training and competition. The acute treatment of concomitant injuries may also improve outcome. Treatment in the acute phase, however, may be more demanding for the surgeon than surgery at a later point in time.