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Prevention and Management of Post-operative Complications Following ACL Reconstruction

  • ACL Rehab (T Sgroi and J Molony, section editors)
  • Published:
Current Reviews in Musculoskeletal Medicine Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Purpose of Review

The goal of this paper is to review the current management and prevention of post-operative complications after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. Trends in rehabilitation techniques will be presented, in addition to suggestions for interventions and expected milestones in ACL reconstruction recovery.

Recent Findings

ACL reconstruction protocols have evolved to more of a criterion-based progression rather than a tissue-healing time frame. Given the evolution of ACL surgical reconstruction techniques and rehabilitation protocols, the risk of post-operative complications can arise both early and late in the recovery process. This paper will discuss the role of preventative measures as it applies to the post-operative patient with ACL reconstruction.

Summary

Short-term complications following ACL reconstruction include infection and deficits to knee motion and strength, whereas long-term complications include secondary ACL injury to either the involved or contralateral knee and lack of ability to return to high-level sports following this procedure. Future research should continue to address the multifactorial causes of secondary ACL injury and limited ability of patients to return to high level activities.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Arcadia University, 450 S. Easton Road, Glenside, PA, 19038, USA

    Brian J. Eckenrode

  2. Good Shepherd Penn Partners at Penn Sports Medicine Center, Philadelphia, PA, USA

    Brian J. Eckenrode

  3. Penn Sports Medicine Center, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA

    James L. Carey, Brian J. Sennett & Miltiadis H. Zgonis

Authors
  1. Brian J. Eckenrode
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  2. James L. Carey
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  3. Brian J. Sennett
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  4. Miltiadis H. Zgonis
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Correspondence to Brian J. Eckenrode.

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This article is part of the Topical Collection on ACL Rehab

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Eckenrode, B.J., Carey, J.L., Sennett, B.J. et al. Prevention and Management of Post-operative Complications Following ACL Reconstruction. Curr Rev Musculoskelet Med 10, 315–321 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12178-017-9427-2

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12178-017-9427-2

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