Kinematic outcomes following ACL reconstruction.

Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction aims to restore the translational and rotational motion to the knee joint that is lost after injury. However, despite technical advancements, clinical outcomes are less than ideal, particularly in return to previous activity level. A major issue is the inability to standardize treatment protocols due to variations in materials and approaches used to accomplish ACL reconstruction. These include surgical techniques such as the transtibial and anteromedial portal methods that are currently under use and the wide availability of graft types that will be used to reconstruct the ACL. In addition, concomitant soft tissue injuries to the menisci and capsule are frequently present after ACL injury and, if left unaddressed, can lead to persistent instability even after the ACL has been reconstructed. Advances in the field of biomechanics that help to objectively measure motion of the knee joint may provide more precise data than current subjective clinical measurements. These technologies include extra-articular motion capture systems that measure the movement of the tibia in relation to the femur. With data gathered from these devices, a threshold for satisfactory knee stability may be established in order to correctly identify a successful reconstruction following ACL injury.