Current Status of Measuring Clinical Outcomes After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: Are We Good Enough?

Assessment of clinical outcome is necessary to determine the benefits of advances in ACL reconstruction. Evaluation of clinical outcome should include measurements of structure and function of the ACL and knee joint, as well as measures of activity and participation of the individual. This should include measurements of anatomical structure of the ACL, laxity, range of motion, symptoms, ability to perform high-demand activities and participate in sports, and in the long-term, development of knee osteoarthritis. The purpose of this paper is to review the current status and limitations of existing clinical outcome measures that should be used to evaluate the effects of ACL reconstruction.