title: Is ACL reconstruction only for athletes? A study of the incidence of meniscal and cartilage injuries in an ACL-deficient athlete and non-athlete population: an Indian experience.
abstract: While anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction is readily offered to athletes, non-athletes are often treated conservatively. We carried out a retrospective, cross-sectional analysis study to compare the incidence of meniscal and cartilage injuries in an athlete and non-athlete population in relation to time of presentation since injury. The results were used to assess the need and relevance of ACL reconstruction in the non-athlete population. The study included 1375 patients who underwent ACL reconstruction between 1998 and 2004. These patients were initially broadly divided into two categories: athletes (575) and non-athletes (800). Each category was then sub-divided into four subgroups based on time elapsed between the injury and presentation at our clinic (Group A, 3 months; Group B, 3-12 months; Group C, 1-3 years; Group D, more than 3 years). Arthroscopic findings were documented for medial and lateral meniscus and cartilage injuries, and comparisons were made between the incidence of associated injuries in the corresponding groups. There was a statistically significant increase in the incidence of meniscal injuries and cartilage injuries after 1 year in both the groups. There was no difference in the incidence of meniscal and cartilage injuries in athletes and non-athletes among the corresponding groups. (chi-square test, p = 0.05). These results demonstrate that both athletes and non-athletes are equally susceptible for long-term meniscal and cartilage injuries if ACL reconstruction is not carried out early.
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopaedics, Sports Injury and Arthroscopy Clinic, GKNM Hospital, PN Palayam, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India. arthroscopy_india@yahoo.co.in
authors.forename: Clement
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Joseph
authors.forename: Shirish S
authors.initials: SS
authors.lastname: Pathak
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Aravinda
authors.forename: David
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Rajan
mesh_terms: D016118:Anterior Cruciate Ligament / Q000601:surgery*; D000070598:Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries; D001265:Athletic Injuries / Q000150:complications / Q000453:epidemiology*; D002358:Cartilage, Articular / Q000293:injuries* / Q000601:surgery*; D015331:Cohort Studies; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D007194:India / Q000453:epidemiology; D007718:Knee Injuries / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000601:surgery*; D008297:Male; D008592:Menisci, Tibial / Q000601:surgery*; D018579:Patient Selection; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013177:Sports; D000070600:Tibial Meniscus Injuries; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome