Surgical management for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear

Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction does not reduce the risk of developing osteoarthritis in the injured knee long termWebster, 2022Wellsandt, 2018van Yperen, 2018.

Surgical reconstruction of the ACL is usually offered to both young and older active patients who wish to place high demands on the knee, especially professional athletesMonk, 2016Mall, 2016. Early surgery is either performed early (followed by rehabilitation) or after a period of specific ‘prehabilitation’ (strengthening and range-of-movement therapy preoperatively)Monk, 2016Frobell, 2010.

If surgical management is indicated, refer the patient to an orthopaedic surgeon.