Editorial Commentary: Timing of the Combined Anterior Cruciate Ligament and Anterolateral Ligament Reconstruction: Still a Debatable Issue.

Abstract

Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries frequently occur as the results of twisting injury of the knee. Accompanying damages to other structures at the time of injury determine the severity of the injury, subsequent surgical procedures, and hence, clinical outcomes. Anterolateral ligament (ALL) seems to act as a side-bar of the ACL rather than a major ligament that should be reconstructed separately. We should also consider the pros and cons of the adding ALL reconstruction procedures. There is insufficient evidence that can either support or refute that ALL plays an important role for knee stability. Determining the timing of the combined reconstruction is still a debatable issue, just like the efficacy of combined ACL and ALL reconstruction.