Reconstruction surgery has become a viable method for athletes to return to play after suffering an ACL injury, yet one third of patients will develop osteoarthritis within 10 years. Researchers have found that the way a patient moves after surgery has significant implications for their long-term recovery. Patients who reported lingering symptoms post-surgery were found to either underload or overload their injured leg, causing injury to the cartilage. Closer adherence to physical therapy programs or increased strength training may help restore movement mechanics and avoid osteoarthritis.