Management of sports-related anterior cruciate ligament injuries

Injuries from recreational and competitive sports activities have increased significantly during the past two decades. The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is one of the most commonly injured knee ligament in athletes. As the ACL is the knee's primary intra-articular stabilizer, injuries to this ligament can seriously alter athletes' physical activity levels or end their sports careers. The medical and surgical treatment options for a sports-related ACL injury depend upon the age of the patient, the type and degree of the ACL injury, and the anticipated future activity level of the athlete. This article describes the anatomy and physiology of the knee joint, the different types and degrees of ACL injuries, diagnostic measures for ACL injuries, and treatment options, which include arthroscopically assisted ACL reconstruction procedures with autologous patellar tendon grafts. Preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative nursing interventions, rehabilitation regimens, and sports injury prevention measures are discussed.