Conservative Treatment of Isolated Acute Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injury
10.4055/jkoa.2026.61.1.11
- Author:
Jin-Woong JEON
1
;
Yong-Beom PARK
Author Information
1. Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Chung-Ang University Hospital, Chung-Ang University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
- Publication Type:Review
- From:The Journal of the Korean Orthopaedic Association
2026;61(1):11-21
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries are common sports-related knee injuries, with surgical treatment being widely accepted as the standard approach. An ACL reconstruction aims to restore the knee function, prevent secondary meniscal tears, and cartilage damage caused by instability. Acute isolated ACL injuries account for approximately 3%–10% of all ACL injuries, making them relatively uncommon.Various treatment methods, ranging from conservative management to ACL reconstruction, have been used, but surgical treatment is often preferred, particularly in young and active individuals. Conservative treatment allows patients to return to their previous activities, and studies have shown that its outcomes in terms of patient assessment and osteoarthritis incidence are comparable to those of surgical treatment. Nevertheless, it has some drawbacks, including a higher risk of secondary meniscal tears and mild static knee instability compared to surgery. Therefore, selecting suitable patients for conservative treatment is crucial for achieving satisfactory results. Various selection criteria have been proposed. Recent reports suggest that even young, highly active patients can return to their pre-injury activity levels if they are carefully selected for conservative treatment. With the appropriate indications and functional rehabilitation tailored to the patient’s expectations, conservative treatment can be considered a viable standard option for managing acute isolated ACL injuries. This review summarizes the clinical outcomes of conservative treatment for such injuries, focusing on appropriate indications and rehabilitation strategies based on the literature.
