Journal List > J Korean Orthop Assoc > v.45(4) > 1013004

Lee, Bae, Kim, Hwang, Lim, Song, and Jung: A Comparison of Outcomes after Acute and Chronic Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction

Abstract

Purpose

To compare the clinical outcomes of a reconstruction with an autogenous hamstring tendon for an acute and chronic anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury.

Materials and Methods

We reviewed 71 patients who had undergone an ACL reconstruction with an autogenous hamstring tendon from December 2003 to June 2006. The patients were divided into two groups, reconstruction for an acute injury with 34 knees and reconstruction for a chronic injury with 37 knees. The clinical results were evaluated using the Lysholm score, International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) score, Lachman test, Pivot shift test, KT-1000 arthrometer, and a Cybex isokinetic test for the strength of the knee flexor and extensor. The presence of associated intra-articular lesions was also investigated.

Results

There were no significant differences between the two groups in terms of the stability evaluated by the Lachman test, pivot shift test and KT-1000 arthrometer at the final follow-up (p=0.732, 0.479, 0.078). However, the acute group scored significantly higher with respect to the clinical outcome measured by the Lysholm scores and IKDC rating system at the final follow-up (P=0.042, 0.012). There was a significantly higher incidence of associated intra-articular lesions in the chronic group than those in the acute group (P=0.003).

Conclusion

A reconstruction for acute ACL injuries showed more satisfactory clinical results and less associated intra-articular lesions than a reconstruction for chronic ACL injuries.

Figures and Tables

Table 1
Demographic Data
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Values are expressed as mean±standard deviation.

*Independent t-test.

Table 2
Clinical Outcome according to Lysholm Scores
jkoa-45-281-i002

Values are expressed as mean±standard deviation.

*Independent t-test.

Table 3
Clinical Outcome according to IKDC Knee Rating System
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*Chi-square test.

Table 4
Stability according to Lachman Test and Pivot Shift Test
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Follow-up, final follow-up.

*Chi-square test, Statistical difference with p=0.732, Statistical difference with p=0.479.

Table 5
Isokinetic Peak Torque at Final Follow-up
jkoa-45-281-i005

Values are expressed as mean±standard deviation.

*Independent t-test.

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