A Comprehensive Review of Partial Anterior Cruciate Ligament Tears

➤ A partial tear of the anterior cruciate ligament is characterized by an asymmetric Lachman-test result, a negative pivot-shift test, a low-grade KT-1000 arthrometer measurement (≤3 mm), and arthroscopic evidence of anterior cruciate ligament injury. ➤ The pivot shift test is the most important test in determining anterior cruciate ligament insufficiency. A positive test, independent of the grade, is indicative of a functionally deficient anterior cruciate ligament. ➤ Nonoperative management results in an acceptable clinical outcome in the majority of cases. ➤ Progression to knee instability (anterior translation and rotation) depends on the extent of the anterior cruciate ligament injury and the activity level of the patient. ➤ Thermal treatment is not recommended for partial tears of the anterior cruciate ligament. ➤ Symptomatic instability is treated reliably with anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction.