Special considerations for ACL graft selection in the young, active military patient.

Abstract

Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury is an extremely common injury in the young, physically demanding active duty military population. The diagnosis of an ACL injury in active duty military personnel often requires special consideration in terms of return to function, reliability, and performance of the knee-often in life-threatening situations when one has to rely on a stable knee for survival. This article outlines the considerations of ACL surgical treatment in the active duty military population, with an emphasis on the young, physically competitive athlete to optimize outcomes. Numerous treatment options and controversies regarding ACL surgery will be reviewed to provide a framework for which to perform a reliable and effective ACL surgery in active duty military personnel.