A Comprehensive Review of Partial Anterior Cruciate Ligament Tears
Authors:
- 1 January 2009
- journal article
- review article
- Published by Wolters Kluwer Health in Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery
- Vol. 91 (1) , 198-208
Abstract
A partial tear of the anterior cruciate ligament is characterized by an asymmetric Lachman-test result, a negative pivot-shift test, a low-grade KT-1000 arthrometer measurement (≤3 mm), and arthroscopic evidence of anterior cruciate ligament injury. The pivot shift test is the most important test in determining anterior cruciate ligament insufficiency. A positive test, independent of the grade, is indicative of a functionally deficient anterior cruciate ligament. Nonoperative management results in an acceptable clinical outcome in the majority of cases. Progression to knee instability (anterior translation and rotation) depends on the extent of the anterior cruciate ligament injury and the activity level of the patient. Thermal treatment is not recommended for partial tears of the anterior cruciate ligament. Symptomatic instability is treated reliably with anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction.Keywords
This publication has 62 references indexed in Scilit:
- Current Concepts ReviewThe American Journal of Sports Medicine, 2008
- Soft Tissue Allograft and Double-Bundle ReconstructionClinics in Sports Medicine, 2007
- Using MR imaging to diagnose partial tears of the anterior cruciate ligament: value of axial images.American Journal of Roentgenology, 1997
- Diagnosis of partial tears of the anterior cruciate ligament of the knee: value of MR imaging.American Journal of Roentgenology, 1995
- The Effect of Nonablative Laser Energy on Joint Capsular PropertiesThe American Journal of Sports Medicine, 1995
- The natural history of conservatively treated partial anterior cruciate ligament tearsThe American Journal of Sports Medicine, 1989
- Fat pad adhesion to partially torn anterior cruciate ligament: A cause of knee lockingThe American Journal of Sports Medicine, 1989
- The course of partial anterior cruciate ligament rupturesThe American Journal of Sports Medicine, 1985
- Diagnosis of acute knee injuries with hemarthrosisThe American Journal of Sports Medicine, 1980
- Natural history of anterior cruciate tearsThe American Journal of Sports Medicine, 1979