Results of anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction based on meniscus and articular cartilage status at the time of surgery. Five- to fifteen-year evaluations.
We sought to determine how the status of the meniscus and articular cartilage observed at the time of anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction affects results at 5 to 15 years after surgery. Objective follow-up was obtained on 482 patients at a mean of 7.6 years after surgery. Subjective follow-up was obtained on 928 patients at a mean of 8.6 years after surgery. Patients with both menisci present had significantly better KT-1,000 arthrometer scores than did patients with any part of the medial or both menisci removed. Stepwise regression analyses determined that a partial or total medial or lateral meniscectomy and damaged articular cartilage significantly lowered the final subjective total score. Patients with both menisci present and normal articular cartilage had a mean subjective total score of 94, and 97% had normal or near normal radiographic ratings on a weightbearing 45 degrees posteroanterior radiographs. The overall International Knee Documentation Committee rating was normal or nearly normal for 204 of 235 patients (87%) with both menisci present, 52 of 74 patients (70%) with partial or total lateral meniscectomies, 71 of 113 patients (63%) with partial or total medial meniscectomies, and 36 of 60 patients (60%) with both menisci removed. We concluded that the long-term subjective and objective results of a successful anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction are affected by the status of the menisci and articular surface.
Methodist Sports Medicine Center, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA.
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Shelbourne
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Gray
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D016118:Anterior Cruciate Ligament / Q000601:surgery*; D000070598:Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries; D002356:Cartilage / Q000473:pathology*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007718:Knee Injuries / Q000601:surgery; D008297:Male; D008592:Menisci, Tibial / Q000473:pathology*; D008875:Middle Aged; D019637:Orthopedic Procedures / Q000379:methods*; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures / Q000379:methods*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D016474:Weight-Bearing