Depending on the mechanism and the energy during the injury there can be associated injuries to additional structures of the knee such as the medial collateral ligament or the posterior cruciate ligament. In this cases the symptoms may vary depending on the involved structures.

When there is a medial ligament injury, the treatment should be conservative using a brace for the medial ligament. After physio to regain motion, a decision can be made on surgery for the anterior cruciate ligament. In many instances when the injury is due to skiing, the anterior cruciate will heal sufficiently not to require surgery.


Approximately half of the patients with an anterior cruciate ligament tear also have a meniscal injury. In young patients the meniscus should be repaired early. The results of repair are better in a stable knee. Thus the best treatment for a young patient is to have meniscal repair and anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction.

In the older patient the meniscus usually has to be partially removed. The long term results of the ligament reconstruction depend on the status of the meniscus. If the meniscus is completely removed or even partially removed, the knee has a higher incidence of osteoarthritis.

The same applies to damage to the articular surface. If there has been significant damage to the articular surface, there is a poor long term prognosis. With some of the newer treatments for the articular surface lesions, such as osteochondral transfer, the long term results may be improved. At present, most of these treatments are regarded as experimental.