Information for Patients
From the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons
Arthroscopically assisted single-bundle reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is a reproducible surgical procedure with a high success rate and greater than 90% patient satisfaction. Data on arthroscopically assisted single-bundle ACL reconstruction using the classic bone-patellar tendon-bone autograft, hamstring autograft, as well as allograft tissues indicate that the procedure reliably improves knee stability and patient function. Complications following ACL reconstruction using modern endoscopic techniques are generally mild and uncommon. Graft failure, when noted, occurs in 0% to 6% of patients; 15% to 25% of patients report mild patellofemoral discomfort and/or crepitus. Significant postoperative stiffness is rare, with absolute postoperative range-of-motion measurements averaging 0° to roughly 140° in more than 90% of patients.