Der Unfallchirurg
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This article summarizes the present knowledge on the diagnosis of and treatment rationales for ruptures of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) of the knee. There is an increasing incidence of this injury due to the high number of persons involved in dynamic sports. The most significant diagnostic criterion is a positive pivot shift associated with a pathological anterior translation of the tibia in slight flexion of the knee. ⋯ The rehabilitation program after implantation of a patellar tendon graft can be accelerated markedly without endangering joint stability. Crutches are necessary only for the first 2-3 weeks. The success rate in terms of objective stability with an autologous patellar tendon graft is high, although specific disadvantages such as chronic patellar pain and a risk for loss of motion must be considered.