Knee Osteoarthritis Following Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: Frequency, Contributory Elements, and Recent Interventions to Modify the Route of Degeneration

Half of the individuals who experience an anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) suffer from kneeosteoarthritis (OA) 12–14 years later. Elements that make a contribution to the appearance of OA following ACLRare anomalous anterior tibial displacement and anomalous tibial rotation in the course of the stance phase of walking(exhibited in 85% of operated knees). Individuals who undergo an early ACLR (5 days on average following anteriorcruciate ligament [ACL] breakage) have an inferior frequency of radiographically apparent tibiofemoral OA at 32–37years of follow-up than individuals with ACL who did not experience the procedure. Nevertheless, the percentage ofsymptomatic OA, radiographically apparent patellofemoral OA and knee symptoms are alike in both groups. At 15years of follow-up, 23% of knees that experienced an anatomic ACLR suffer from OA, while this percentage augmentsto 44% if the ACLR was non-anatomic. Knees of individuals who experience ACLR need total knee arthroplasty at anearlier age than healthy knees. Intra-articular injections of interleukin-1 receptor antagonist and corticosteroids mayreduce the peril of OA after ACLR.Level of evidence: III