Tears of the anterior cruciate ligament in the knee are common among athletes of all ages. But those older than 40 often avoid reconstructive surgery because of concern that risks exceed benefits. Now research shows people can benefit from the surgery well into their 60s.

In a six-year study, Mayo Clinic researchers followed 34 patients who had ACL reconstructive surgery between ages 50 and 66. They found that nearly all returned to non-contact sports such as skiing, biking, tennis and dance. Complication and reinjury rates were comparable to those for younger patients.

The ACL is connective tissue that is key for knee stability. But sports such as basketball, tennis and skiing can subject the knee to forceful twisting and cause ACL tears. Last fall, the Redskins lost two players to ACL injuries.

Unlike torn muscles, torn ligaments do not repair themselves. The only fix is to replace the shredded ligament with grafted tendon from the patient's body or a cadaver's. U.S. orthopedists conduct about 100,000 of the procedures yearly, mostly on patients younger than 40. Fearing arthritis and blood clots, doctors historically have steered older ACL patients to nonsurgical alternatives such as moderating activity, giving up risky sports and wearing a brace.

Study leader Diane Dahm, an assistant professor of orthopedic surgery at Mayo, described the findings in an e-mail as "great news for members of the baby boomer generation who want to maintain an active lifestyle."

"For active people who suffer from knee instability due to an ACL tear," she said, "ACL reconstruction can get them back in the game."

-- Rita Zeidner