Complications of ACL Reconstruction

Abstract

Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction can be conducted endoscopically as a minimally invasive procedure. Moreover, since most of the patients who undergo ACL reconstruction are healthy young persons, the risk associated with ACL reconstruction is low. However, complications do occur at a considerable rate. Compared to other basic arthroscopic surgeries, the incidence of complications of ACL reconstruction is relatively high. A possible reason is that the procedures are complicated requiring bone preparation, tendon graft harvesting, and retention of internal fixation materials. The representative complications include anterior knee pain, limited range of motion in the knee, graft failure, infection, nerve injury, and deep vein thrombosis. In this chapter the status of occurrence of complications during and after ACL reconstruction, the risk factors, and treatments are discussed. Many of the complications can be prevented by performing the procedure cautiously and with scrupulous attention. It is important to perform ACL reconstruction fully aware of the potential intraoperative and postoperative complications and the prevention and management approaches.