Postoperative Range of Motion Following Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction Using Autograft Hamstrings A Prospective, Randomized Clinical Trial of Early Versus Delayed Reconstructions

BackgroundThere is a common belief that surgical reconstruction of an acutely torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) should be delayed for at least 3 weeks because of the increased incidence of postoperative motion loss (arthrofibrosis) and suboptimal clinical results.HypothesisThere is no difference in postoperative range of motion or stability after ACL reconstructions performed either acutely or delayed.Study DesignRandomized controlled trial; Level of evidence, 1.MethodsPatients with an acute ACL tear were prospectively randomized to either early (within 21 days) or delayed (beyond 6 weeks) reconstruction using autograft hamstring tendon. Previous knee surgery on the index extremity and a multiligamentous injury were exclusionary criteria. Surgical technique and postoperative rehabilitation were identical for all patients. Postoperative assessments included range of motion and KT-1000 arthrometer measurements compared with the contralateral knee. Standardized outcome measures were used including single...