We studied a group of 602 patients who had anterior cruciate ligament reconstructions between 1987 and 1992. An autogenous patellar tendon graft was used, regardless of preexisting patellofemoral pain or chondromalacia. The surgeon and rehabilitation protocol were the same for all patients, with emphasis on obtaining full knee hyperextension postoperatively. All patients were evaluated by a questionnaire designed to determine the incidence and severity of anterior knee pain as it relates to sporting or daily living activities, prolonged sitting, stair climbing, and kneeling. Range of motion for the study group was recorded during physical examination. We compared the findings with those from a control group of 122 patients who had no previous knee injury. The study group reported a mean score of 89.5 +/- 12.5, compared with 90.2 +/- 12.3 in the control group. Both the operative and control groups reported little or no symptoms during sporting activities (94% and 92%, respectively). No differences were noted with respect to the other activities surveyed. These results demonstrate that anterior knee pain after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction is not an inherent complication associated with patellar tendon harvesting. We suggest that the increased incidence of anterior knee pain with an autogenous patellar tendon graft can be prevented by obtaining full knee hyperextension postoperatively. This goal can be achieved through preoperative rehabilitation and a postoperative protocol emphasizing early restoration of full knee hyperextension.