[The influence of age on the outcome of anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction].
OBJECTIVE
There is an increasing demand for a high loading capacity of the knee during exercise in the elderly patient with knee instability following rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). The question is, if the results of an ACL reconstruction in patients over 40 years of age are as good as those in younger patients.


METHODS
From 1989 to 1994 we replaced the ACL with a mid-third BPTB autograft in 397 patients following ACL rupture. A total of 309 patients (78%, 110 female, 199 male, the average age was 27 years) were followed for an average of 43 months. The results were compared relating to four groups of age (group 1: < 20 years, n = 41; group 2: 20 - 29 years, n = 175; group 3: 30 - 40 years, n = 77; group 4: > 40 years, n = 16).


RESULTS
We did not find any significant differences between the groups in the different score ratings, the subjective and objective knee function and stability, the pain and the level of activity. The average Cincinnati score of the whole group was 91 points (HSS score: 78/16 % excellent/good, Lysholm score: 90 points, IKDC score: 22/31 % A/B).


CONCLUSIONS
ACL replacement is a sufficient therapy for patients over 40 years of age with symptomatic knee instability following ACL rupture. The subjective and objective clinical outcome is comparable to the good results of ACL replacement in younger patients without any significant differences.
Bohnsack
M
M
Orthopädische Klinik der Medizinischen Hochschule Hannover, Klinik II im Annastift Hannover, Germany.
Rühmann
O
O
Lück
K
K
Wirth
C J
CJ
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D016118:Anterior Cruciate Ligament / Q000601:surgery; D000070598:Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007593:Joint Instability / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery; D007718:Knee Injuries / Q000601:surgery*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000209:etiology*; D016896:Treatment Outcome