Comparative Study of Acute and Chronic Reconstruction of Anterior Cruciate Ligament?

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To compare the clinical? results and stability of acute and chronic reconstruction of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients who had ACL reconstruction with a quadruple hamstring tendon and ligament anchor (LA) screw with a minimum 2-year follow-up were included in this study. Acute (within 4 weeks) reconstruction group was composed of 27 knees and chronic (over 3 months) group was 44 knees. We compared the two groups with regard to Lysholm knee score, range of motion, thigh circumference, Lachman test, Tegner activity scale, associated meniscal injuries, and anterior laxity difference by Telos stress arthrometer. RESULTS: At last follow-up, no significant differences were found between the acute and chronic groups for Lysholm score, range of motion, Lachman test, Tegner activity scale, and instrumental laxity. 16 cases (59%) of acute and 33 cases (75%) of chronic patients had a meniscal injuries of which were reparable in 5 cases (28%) and 7 cases (17%). CONCLUSIONS: Acute reconstruction of ACL had excellent clinical and radiologic results as good as the chronic group without motion problem.