Age-Based Outcomes After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction
Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction is a commonly performed procedure in young adults between the ages of 14 and 25, with the bulk of injuries sustained during athletic participation [1]. However, in recent years there has been a trend toward increased incidence of both younger and older patients undergoing ACL reconstruction (ACLR), as sports participation and specialization have occurred earlier in life and older individuals seek to continue their athletic endeavors [2–5]. With the changing landscape of individuals undergoing ACLR, it is important to understand how outcomes may differ among the various age cohorts undergoing ACL reconstruction for proper patient counseling and expectation setting. Currently, the bulk of the literature has focused on the young adult population; however, this chapter serves to highlight both the technical considerations and post-operative outcomes of ACL reconstruction as they pertain to adolescent, young adult, and adult populations.
