title: The natural history and diagnosis of anterior cruciate ligament insufficiency.
abstract: In 233 knees with anterior cruciate ligament insufficiency the characteristic diagnostic signs and symptoms were: a specific mechanism of injury; an audible "pop" at the time of injury; a positive anterior drawer sign' "giving away"; functional disability; periarticular degenerative changes. Unresolved anterior cruciate ligament insufficiency follows a predictable natural history typified by a course of progressive knee dysfunction and deterioration. The progress of deterioration can be significantly modified or arrested by repair or reconstruction of the injured ligament.
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007718:Knee Injuries / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy; D007719:Knee Joint / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000503:physiopathology; D008023:Ligaments, Articular / Q000293:injuries* / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009068:Movement; D011859:Radiography