The purpose of the current study was to examine outcome after ACL reconstruction in patients over 40 years old, and to evaluate factors affecting outcome, such as, associated injuries and the preoperative period after injury.

Clinical results were obtained from 36 cases over 40 years old at the time of surgery. The average age was 45 years (40 to 67 years), and the average follow-up period was 27.6 months (12 to 85 months). Group 1 was composed of 13 cases with a less than 3 months preoperative period, and group 2 23 cases of more than 3 months. 31 cases had associated injuries and 5 cases did not. The parameters used were the Lachman test, KT-2000 arthrometry, Lysholm score, IKDC score, and return to sports activity before injury.

The Lachman test was positive in 9 cases (25%) and mean side-to-side difference as determined by KT-2000 arthrometry was 3.9mm, however, there was no statistical difference between group 1 and group 2, regardless of associated injuries (p>.05). Lysholm score averaged 89.8 in total, and was 92.2 in group 1 and 88.5 in group 2, and 93.6 in those without associated injury and 89.2 in those with associated injury (p>.05). The IKDC score was normal (A) in 7 cases, nearly normal (B) in 25, abnormal (C) in 4. Twelve cases (92.3%) were graded A or B in group 1, and 20 cases (87%) were graded A or B in group 2 (p>.05). There were 5 cases (100%) of grade A or B in the group without associated injury and there were 27 cases (87.1%) of A or B in group with associated injury (p>.05). Return to sports activity before injury was possible in 19 cases (53%); 7 cases (53.8%) in group 1 and 12 cases (52.2%) in group 2 (p>.05), and 3 cases (60%) in the group without associated injury and 16 cases (51.6%) in the group with associated injury (p>.05).

In patients over 40 years old with ACL injury, results can be successful after ACL reconstruction.