Risks, benefits, and evidence-based recommendations for improving anterior cruciate ligament outcomes

Recently, injuries to the anterior cruciate ligament and subsequent surgical reconstructions have seen a great increase in interest from the perspectives of basic science, anatomy, mechanics, and clinical outcomes. Over the past few years, an emerging body of evidence has shown the importance of a more anatomic anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction, which uses sound anatomic and surgical principles, identifies an ideal graft for the patient, and ensures that all aspects of care (including postoperative rehabilitation) are fully addressed. It is helpful for orthopaedic surgeons to review the surgically relevant anatomy of the anterior cruciate ligament, graft choices, fixation techniques and constructs, and rehabilitation guidelines to optimize outcomes for their patients.