Injuries to the ACL are among the most common and functionally disabling conditions in orthopedics and sports medicine. The incidence in the United States has increased dramatically in the past 20 years. About 200,000 people sustain an ACL injury annually. In 1994, an estimated 86,687 surgeries for these injuries were performed. By 2013, the yearly number of procedures to treat ACL injuries increased by 58% to 148,714. By far, the female high school athlete is the patient demographic that is undergoing the greatest increase in ACL surgeries annually.

A proper clinical diagnosis and careful and precise ACL reconstruction surgery followed by proper, well-designed and progressive rehabilitation ensures a successful outcome and reduces the risk of postoperative complications. We have assembled an expert panel to answer frequently asked questions about the treatment of patients with an ACL injury. We hope the information conveyed helps Orthopedics Today readers learn some key points about ACL treatment that they can readily implement.