Diagnosis for anterior cruciate ligament surgery.

We have reviewed the important aspects of the history, physical examination, and other diagnostic tools available to help diagnose ACL injuries. We feel that, in the hands of an experienced clinician, greater than 90% of ACL disruptions can be diagnosed at the time of injury. Appropriate evaluation will enable the clinician to advise the appropriate treatment, whether it be operative or nonoperative. We have also briefly outlined the variables that we consider to be the most important in the decision-making process of treatment options after ACL disruption.