Nonsurgical Management of an Anterior Cruciate Ligament-Deficient Knee in a Women's Soccer Player: A Validation Clinical Case Report

Background: A collegiate women's soccer player sustained an isolated anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear and expressed a desire to continue her season without surgical intervention. Design: Case report. Intervention(s): Using the results of a randomized controlled trial and published clinical guidelines, the clinicians classified the patient as an ACL-deficient coper. The patient completed her soccer season without incident, consistent with the findings of the established clinical guidelines. However, 6 months later, she sustained a meniscal tear, which was not unexpected given that 22% of ACL-deficient copers in the randomized controlled trial incurred a meniscal tear within 24 months of ACL injury. Conclusion: The external evidence was helpful in making informed clinical decisions regarding patient care.