Submitted By Tom Klootwyk M.D.
02.15.2012

More than 100 of the top surgeons and scientists in the world are meeting this week to discuss advancements in the treatment of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries.  I always look forward to the ACL Study Group conference and this year, I have joined my international colleagues in Jackson Hole, Wyo.

Only three physicians in the state of Indiana belong to the ACL Study Group. John McCarroll, M.D., and I have the privilege to represent Methodist Sports Medicine / The Orthopedic Specialists and collaborate with doctors from around the world.

The ACL Study Group was organized 25 years ago by John Faegin, M.D., and a small group of orthopedic surgeons with a common interest in the anterior cruciate ligament. Now, John Bergfeld M.D., organizes this large international study group that meets every two years to exchange information in an informal and friendly atmosphere. About 40 percent of the attendees are from the United States, 40 percent come from Europe and 20 percent travel from Asia, New Zealand and Australia.

The presentations deal with the past, present and future of ACL injuries and treatment. These are some of the topics I am looking forward to hearing:

• Returning to sports after ACL reconstruction at the high school and collegiate football level.
• Is it possible to prevent ACL injuries among adolescents?
• ACL reconstruction to decrease the advancement of arthritis.

I am excited to see what improvements and innovations have been developed since our last meeting that will help our patients at Methodist Sports Medicine / The Orthopedic Specialists.