Incidence and Risk Factors for a Partial Anterior Cruciate Ligament Tear Progressing to a Complete Tear After Nonoperative Treatment in Patients Younger Than 30 Years.

Background: Partial anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears are observed in 10% to 27% of isolated ACL tears. There is currently no consensus on diagnosis and treatment protocols, and the outcomes of nonoperative treatment remain undefined.

Purpose: To assess the incidence and risk factors for the progression of partial ACL tears to complete ruptures after nonoperative treatment in active patients younger than 30 years.