RESEARCH & ARTICLES

Early Surgical Intervention Results in Better Patient-Reported Outcomes Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction

Purpose: To determine how the timing of ACL reconstruction affects patient-reported outcomes following anterior cruciate ligament injury. 

Summary:

• This retrospective study examined short- and mid-term outcomes based on timing and graft type in ACL reconstruction for patients with combined ACL and MCL injuries. 
• Delaying ACL reconstruction beyond 6 weeks was associated with decreased IKDC and KOOS scores. 
• Among patients with combined injuries, those who received allografts had improved patient-reported outcomes compared to those who received autografts. 
   

JRF Takeaways: Early ACL reconstruction in the setting of combined ACL and MCL injuries is linked to better patient-reported outcomes. Allografts were associated with more favorable results than autografts, though selection bias may be a factor, as older patients were more likely to receive allografts. Nonetheless, these findings support the use of allografts as an effective option in appropriately selected patients.

Click here for the complete abstract. 

Authors: Blake M. Bacevich, BS, Sean Hazzard PA, MBA, Mia Lustig, BS, Saoirse Connelly, BS, Varun Nukala, BS, Peter Asnis, MD

Published: Arthroscopy, Sports Medicine, and Rehabilitation

Institution: Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, Department of Orthopaedics/Sports Medicine Service, Massachusetts General Hospital, Waltham, Massachusetts.