Management of Isolated Partial ACL Tears: A Survey of International ACL Surgeons

Partial anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears, particularly injuries detected with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) but stable on ligamentous examination, appear to be recognized more frequently; however, there remains no consensus management for this complex pathology.

To present the results of a survey of a group of international ACL experts on the management of partial ACL injuries.

Survey study; Level of evidence, 5.

The ACL Study Group is an international group of orthopaedic surgeons with a special interest in the ACL. There are 169 members overall, with 135 clinically active surgeons. A branching logic survey was developed and circulated to members of the ACL Study Group via electronic mail. Categories included member demographics as well as recommended management strategies of partial ACL injuries, including recommendations on return to play.

Of the 135 clinically active surgeon members, 113 responded to the survey (84%). Nonoperative management of partial ACL injuries was selected by 92% of respondents. Of those who managed nonoperatively, 75% indicated they would not restrict weightbearing and 59% would not recommend a knee brace. When those who managed the patient nonoperatively determined criteria for return to sports (RTS), 33% would use differential knee laxity, 87% would assess functional testing, 26% would utilize imaging, and 40% selected time from injury. When using time as a guide for RTS, 13% chose RTS between 7 and 11 weeks postinjury, 56% selected no sport before 3 months, and 22% favored waiting 4 to 6 months before allowing an athlete with a partial ACL injury to RTS. With regard to function as a tool to determine RTS, painless Lachman, strength, swelling, and functional performance tests were all chosen by a majority of respondents.

This study presented the results of a survey on partial ACL injury management administered to ACL Study Group active surgical members. The majority favored nonoperative management for partial ACL injuries (stable ligament examination but MRI changes in the ligament). Nonoperative treatment and RTS protocols varied and must be customized to the patient.