Preparing a female collegiate athlete for anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction and rehabilitation

An anterior cruciate ligament injury is common among athletes involved in sports where cutting or sudden changes of position occur. This is a case study of a female collegiate athlete who sustained an anterior cruciate ligament injury, with a small meniscus tear, and decides on a course of surgery. Questions she has about the initial injury, as well as subsequent questions concerning reconstructive surgery using a patellar graft and the course of rehabilitation, are answered. A chart of her rehabilitation protocol is provided.