Abstract

Injury to the Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) constitutes one of the most common and debilitating athletic injuries. Rupture of the ACL leads to knee instability, altered kinematic and kinetic behavior of the lower limbs, reduced sport participation, as well as development of early knee osteoarthritis. The optimal treatment for the torn depends on several factors, such as patient’s sex, BMI, knee laxity, lifestyle and goals. Comparing surgical to conservative treatment of ACL tears, there is limited evidence suggesting that the outcomes are not different overall. The goals of the conservative treatment to ACL tears consist of gaining good functional stability, optimizing the functional level, and minimizing the risk for re-injury. Interventions during the initial phase focus on range of motion, pain management, normal ambulation, and preventing muscle atrophy; while in later phases they aim to increase strength and endurance. In the return-to-play phase they focus on neuromuscular optimization of knee function and sports-specific activities.