Week 4 Lecture 1

Question 1

Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of conservative (non-operative) management following ACL rupture

Answer 1

Advantages:

Avoid cost and time of operation
Inherent risk with all operations (infection, fibrosis)
Rehab can begin sooner as not waiting for tissue remodeling
Statistically good long term functional outcomes
High patient satisfaction score

Disadvantages:
Potential meniscal pathology
Symptomatic ‘giving way’
May ultimately need reconstruction