In many years, there has been several people trying to find the best treatment for middle aged athletes with anterior crusiate ligament (ACL) injuries. A study was conducted in conjunction with the Kerlan-Jobe Ortopaedic Clinic in Inglewood, California. 52 patients, ranging in ages from 40- 60 years of age, who had previous ACL injuries were examined by different doctors. All of the patients that were examined were treated nonoperatively.
A subgroup, which consisted of 30 patients, underwent radiographic, and functional assesment. 25 of the 30 patients were satisfied with the treatment. When these reports were compared to those of younger patients, the middle aged people were more satisfied, less degeneration evident on an X-ray, and a lower reinjury rate. To some extent, the reason that the reinjury rate is lower than, that of a younger patient is that most of the middle aged athlete's do not compete in pivoting, or cutting sports. Some docors say that the age is not the only reason for these results.