Predicting success in ACL reconstruction

Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) injury and ACL reconstruction is common in the United States. However, when compared to the standards of other orthopedics procedures today, ACL reconstruction is NOT predictably successful in restoring patients to their pre-injury state. Only 60-70% of reconstructed patients resume their previous level of activity and many patients experience some degree of osteoarthritis. The reasons for such limitations of success are many. A recent renewal of interest in the many variables affecting ACL reconstruction and the understanding of the varying needs of patients with ACL injury holds promise for improving success even today as well as ultimately providing a normal knee for patients after ACL reconstruction.