Rehabilitation of the patient with an anterior cruciate ligament injury: a brief review
Micheo, W.; Frontera, W.R.; Amy, E.; Jordán, G.
Boletin de la Asociacion Medica de Puerto Rico 87(1-2): 29-36
1995
ISSN/ISBN: 0004-4849 PMID: 7786358 Document Number: 5705
The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is an infraarticular structure essential for the normal function of the knee. Unfortunately, it is commonly injured during sports activities which involve complex movements such as cutting and pivoting. It has been reported that 70% of the acute ACL injuries are sports related. Treatment of the ACL deficient knee has been controversial. However, the importance of early diagnosis and appropriate rehabilitation cannot be overemphasized. The consequences of poor therapeutic results are well accepted and include episodes of recurrent knee instability, damage to associated knee structures such as the menisci, early progression to osteoarthritis of the knee, and an inability to return to previous functional levels of activity. Recent developments in surgical techniques and aggressive rehabilitation programs in combination have improved outcome measures. In the present paper we will review basic concepts of ACL structure and function, mechanisms of injury, and appropriate diagnosis which will serve as the basis for planning a rehabilitation program for the ACL deficient knee.
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