Analysis of the outcome of Anterior Cruciate Ligament reconstruction surgery on knee in athletes from Sari, 2007-2008

Background and

The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is one of the four major ligaments of the knee and also the most important knee stabilizer. Since the incidence of ACL tearing is especially high in young athletes, and reconstruction surgery and a prolonged rehabilitation may be rtequired, understanding the outcome of the ACL reconstruction surgery and preventive measures such as physiotherapy and muscle supporting exercises, could improve the outcome of the ACL reconstruction surgery. The aim of this study was to evaluate and recognize the outcome of ACL reconstruction surgery in athletes from Sari in 2007-2008.

In this descriptive study, 57 male athletes (mean age: 26.56 ± 6.17 years) referred to several hospitals in sari during 2007-2008 were assessed after ACL reconstruction surgery. The assessment for the outcome of the ACL reconstruction surgery was done by physical examination, such as range of motion (ROM) and performing stability tests (lachman test, anterior drawer test). Data were analyzed using statistical tests; ANOVA, χ2 and t -test.

Mean age of the patients was 26.56 ± 6.17 years (17-51). Mean duration after surgery was 18.4 ± 10.57(5-35). The most common cause of tearing was playing soccer (63.2%). The right knee was affected in 35 players (61.4%) compared with the left knee in 22 (38.6%). Thirty three (57.9%) right knees were dominant in comparison with 24(42.1%) left knees. Type of trauma in 17 subjects (29.8%) was contact and 40 (70.2%) was non-contact. There were three (5.3%) patients with movement limitation (10-30˚) and five (8.8%) with knee instability. There was no significant relationship between mean duration after surgery and limitations in movements (P=0.412), knee stability (P=0.999), and patients satisfaction (P=0.412). There was a significant relation between dominant knee and stability (P=0.046).

According to the results of this study, it appears that performing ACL reconstruction surgery results in satisfaction of patients and can specially be helpful (if performed appropriately) in athlets.