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Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction is a common surgical knee procedure that requires intensive postoperative rehabilitation by the patient. A variety of randomized controlled trials have investigated aspects of ACL reconstruction rehabilitation. A systematic review of English language level 1 and 2 studies identified 54 appropriate randomized controlled trials of ACL rehabilitation. Topics discussed in this part of the article include continuous passive motion, early weight bearing in motion, postoperative bracing, and home-based rehabilitation.

Objectives: Meniscus tears frequently accompany acute anterior cruciate ligament ruptures. Management of meniscus tears is highly variable and includes repair, meniscectomy, and non-treatment of tears identified at the time of ACL reconstruction. The purpose of this study is to determine the rate of subsequent reoperation and clinical outcome of meniscal tears left in situ without treatment at the time of ACL reconstruction with a minimum follow-up of 6 years. Methods: Patients with meniscus tears left untreated at the time of primary ACL reconstruction were identified from a multicenter study group between 2002 and 2004 with minimum 6-year follow-up. Patient demographic variables, comorbidities, meniscus tear characteristics, and information on subsequent surgery were obtained. The primary endpoint of the study was need for reoperation for meniscal pathology. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used in order to determine patient demographic variables and meniscus tear characteristics that served as risk factors for reoperation. Results: There were 1440 primary ACL reconstructions performed during the timeframe of the study. There were 955 patients (66.3%) with concomitant meniscal tears identified. Of these, 143 (15.3%) had meniscal tears left in situ at the time of surgery. There were 11 patients (7.9%) who underwent reoperation for meniscal pathology within the same compartment as the meniscal tear left in situ (Table 1). Reoperation was performed more frequently for medial meniscus tears as compared to lateral meniscus tears (17.6% vs. 4.3%, p = 0.048). Medial meniscus tears and tears ≥10 mm in length were identified as risk factors for reoperation. Conclusion: Lateral and medial meniscus tears left in situ at the time of ACL reconstruction did not require reoperation at minimum 6-year follow-up in 95.7% and 82.4% of patients, respectively. Our results suggest that surgeons should consider alternative treatment for medial meniscus tears and tears ≥ 10 mm in length at the time of ACL reconstruction.

The athletic hernia is an obscure condition of uncertain etiology commonly seen in soccer and rugby players. The pain is often debilitating and may place an athletic career at risk. Treatment failures are frustrating to the athlete and the physician. The anatomy involved, diagnostic criteria, and treatment modalities are inconsistently described in the medical, surgical and orthopaedic literature. There is no evidence-based consensus available to guide decision-making. We performed an overview of the anatomy and pathoanatomy and a systematic review of the literature to gain insight into the disease and its treatment. Most studies are Level IV. The most common operative finding is a deficient posterior wall of the inguinal canal, although other abdominal wall abnormalities are frequently found. Open and laparoscopic repairs produce excellent results, but the latter allows earlier return to play. Magnetic resonance imaging appears to have excellent diagnostic potential for athletic hernia. A multidisciplinary approach to groin pain in the athlete is recommended.

Reconstruction of the multiple ligament injured knee can be challenging owing to the many factors necessary to achieve a stable, functional joint. The task of assessing limb alignment and malalignment has been largely ignored in the multiple ligament injured knee, and reconstruction has focused on soft tissue constraints. Although it has been shown that joint alignment plays a critical role in the development of arthritis and overload syndromes, osteotomy to control instability has been a controversial subject. Recent evidence suggests that joint alignment may be just as important in maintaining joint stability, particularly in cases of chronic ligamentous injury. Over time, untreated malalignment can worsen ligamentous laxity and lead to symptomatic chronic instability. In the case of the ACL-deficient knee, for example, varus malalignment can be overemphasized as internal rotation of the tibia places more stress on the lateral structures. This deformity can then be manifested as a posterolateral thrust upon ambulation. Malalignment in the coronal or sagittal plane may be a significant contributing factor in the success of reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). This chapter discusses the role of osteotomy in these unstable knees as a means of ensuring success in the long-term outcome of ligamentous reconstruction.