ACL injuries are ubiquitous and the literature surrounding ACL reconstructions is complex and difficult to comprehend. In summary, this paper provides a simple yet coherent overview of ACL injuries. Etiology, prevention, and the consequences of injury are discussed. The paper examines literature surrounding the decision to reconstruct the anterior cruciate ligament. An overwhelming quantity of literature is in favor of an ACL reconstruction in order to maintain an active lifestyle. ACL surgery has advanced exponentially in recent years and there is a multitude of fixation and tunneling methods. Graft choice for an ACL reconstruction is also complicated and multifactorial. In general, three types of grafts exist: autografts, allografts, and synthetic grafts. Autografts usually include the hamstring tendon (HT) and patella tendon (BTB), however, recent studies suggest the quadricep tendon (QT) may be a suitable graft. The BTB is often considered the “gold standard” due to its strength and stability. On the other hand, the HT is often used as it is less invasive and is associated with less antero-patellar knee pain. Common allografts include the patella tendon, Achilles tendon, and tibialis muscle group. Despite a higher cost, allografts are usually used in revision surgeries and leave patients with less donor-site morbidity. Lastly, synthetic grafts are growing in popularity, especially the LARS procedure, however, more research is needed. Lastly, this paper attempts to consolidate literature surrounding the QT graft. Only one meta-analysis focusing on the QT has been published, however, the last meta-analysis is from three years ago and several new studies have been published since. The recent literature suggests the QT is a viable option in terms of stability and functional outcomes. Specifically, when comparing the QT to BTB and HT, the QT grades similarity in KT-1000 scores, a common measure of knee laxity and stability. Additionally, IKDC scores, frequently used to assess functionality, show positive results. More literature is needed to fully understand the QT; however, preliminary research indicates the QT can be an esteemed option in ACL reconstruction surgery.

Thesis (Ph.D.)--University of Delaware, 2007. / Principal faculty advisor: Lynn Snyder-Mackler, Dept. of Physical Therapy. Includes bibliographical references.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Queensland, 2001. / Includes bibliographical references.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Oregon, 2003. / Typescript. Includes vita and abstract. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 144-153). Also available for download via the World Wide Web; free to University of Oregon users.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Oregon, 2002. / Typescript. Includes vita and abstract. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 212-238). Also available for download via the World Wide Web; free to University of Oregon users.

The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is the most frequently injured ligament of the knee with over 100,000 injuries occurring annually in the United States alone. Often referred to as a single ligament, anatomically the ACL is composed of two distinct bundles: anteromedial (AM) and posterolateral (PL) To date, the change in position of the AM and PL bundles in the frontal plane during internal and external rotation of the tibia have gone unreported. Therefore, the aim of this study was to quantify and compare the movements of a femoral, midpoint, and tibial marker located on the AM and PL bundles of the ACL during 15° of internal and external rotation, in the presence and absence of an anterior force. Significant differences were found between internal and external rotation for both bundles in the presence and absence of an anterior force. Moreover, the tibial marker had the greatest change in position.

Thesis (MAppSc in Physiotherapy)--University of South Australia, 1997

Thesis (BAppSc(Physio)(Hons))--University of South Australia, 1998

Thesis (M.S.E.S.)--University of Toledo, 2008. / Typescript. "Submitted as partial fulfillments of the requirements for The Masters of Science in Exercise Sciences concentration in Athletic Training." "A thesis entitled"--at head of title. Bibliography: leaves 43-46.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--Oregon State University, 2009. / Printout. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 102-106). Also available on the World Wide Web.