ACL Tear and Cartilage Lesions

Abstract

Articular cartilage injuries are not uncommon finding in patients with anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear. There are several ways to address the cartilage injuries when encountered during ACL reconstruction. The favorable treatment of cartilage injuries during ACL reconstruction is controversial. Indeed, the treatment of cartilage injuries depends on multiple factors including patient variables and severity of lesion. It is unclear whether cartilage lesions affect the recovery after ACL reconstruction and vice versa. Whether ACL reconstruction has a preventive effect on further progression of cartilage lesions is also unclear. This chapter gives an overview of current literature related to cartilage injuries with ACL tear in terms of epidemiology, clinical presentation, and management.