Sports medicine: anterior cruciate ligament injuries.

Newer techniques in anterior cruciate ligament surgery and accelerated rehabilitation has significantly altered the recovery process as well as the degree of functional recovery and the long-term prognosis. In most cases full recovery can be expected within 6 to 12 months following injury. Although great emphasis is placed on rapid progress in physical therapy and rehabilitation, it is also important to provide the necessary emotional support during this period of disability and altered functional state.