title: Evidence-based practice to improve outcomes of anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction.
abstract: Recent studies of anatomic anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction have considered native knee anatomy and biomechanical function, and emphasized the long-term goals of protecting knee health and preventing the development of symptomatic ACL-deficient degenerative arthrosis. Validated and reproducible examination maneuvers are necessary for accurate diagnosis and appraisal of surgical interventions. Appropriately powered expertise-based trials should be emphasized to minimize bias, enhance validity, and reduce crossover. Best practice rehabilitation protocols can guide postoperative care while minimizing heterogeneity within studies. Functional outcome scores should be sensitive, responsive, and able to reliably detect small changes.
authors.affiliation: Division of Orthopaedic Surgery, McMaster University Medical Center, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. ayenif@mcmaster.ca
authors.forename: O R
authors.initials: OR
authors.lastname: Ayeni
authors.forename: N
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Evaniew
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Ogilvie
authors.forename: D C
authors.initials: DC
authors.lastname: Peterson
authors.forename: M R
authors.initials: MR
authors.lastname: Denkers
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Bhandari
mesh_terms: D016118:Anterior Cruciate Ligament / Q000601:surgery; D000070598:Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries; D059549:Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction; D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D050376:Bone-Patellar Tendon-Bone Grafting; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine; D006801:Humans; D007593:Joint Instability / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery; D007718:Knee Injuries / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000534:rehabilitation / Q000601:surgery*; D007719:Knee Joint / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery; D010808:Physical Examination; D013710:Tendons / Q000637:transplantation; D014182:Transplantation, Autologous; D016896:Treatment Outcome