Prevention of Anterior Knee Pain After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction

Abstract

Anterior knee pain following reconstruction of the ACL is a problem that has plagued many patients. After extensively studying patients with this problem and comparing them to those that do not suffer from this entity, we have concluded that loss of full hyperextension is the most frequent cause of anterior knee pain after ACL reconstruction. This can be prevented with proper preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative management. Prevention should be the number-one concern. If anterior knee pain after ACL reconstruction does occur, the symptoms can usually be alleviated through nonoperative means. Occasionally, surgical intervention may become necessary. Other causes for this pain syndrome are rare, but with proper evaluation can easily be differentiated and treated.