Anterior cruciate ligament injuries(ACL tears) are a common and feared injury for athletes.

Furthermore, an unstable knee can increase the risk of developing early arthritis.

However, there are possible complications of ACL surgery, including re-tear of the new ligament.

Female athlete on the ground with a knee injury

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Inaccurate positioning of the graft can lead to abnormal mechanics of the joint and an increased chance of re-injury.

Finding a surgeon whoregularly performs ACL surgerycan help.

Smaller grafts have been shown to have less durability than larger grafts in some studies.

Recovery From Surgery

Proper rehabilitation after ACL surgeryis critically important to the success of the reconstructive surgery.

When the new ACL is positioned in the knee joint it is typically held in place with an implant.

The other important factor following surgery is regaining normal muscle function of the entire extremity.

An evaluation of autograft versus allograft reconstruction results: a systematic review.Am J Sports Med.

2013;43(11):777-792, A1-11.

2017;5(12):2325967117745279. doi:10.1177/2325967117745279