ACL Reconstruction along with Outcomes in Early and Late Presentation

Background: The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is an important structure for maintaining stability of the knee joint, particularly in activities involving weaving, pivoting or kicking, which is the normal biomechanics of the knee. It is the most commonly injured knee ligament. The purpose of this study is to find out the commonest cause of ACL injury and the age group involved in our community. Whether the time gap between injury and treatment has any impact in the prognosis after ACL reconstruction. The knee becomes unstable with a ruptured ACL and the joint may become more damaged over time. ACL reconstruction is the surgical treatment of choice. Methods: This was a prospective observational study conducted at the department of orthopaedics in North East Medical College Hospital over a period of 8 years. About 200 admitted patients had ACL reconstruction done during this time. Data were collected in respect to patient’s profile, diagnosis and ACL rupture records. All patients were stratified by primary and secondary tears, age, sex, side of injury, activity level and graft type of reconstruction. Results: The study showed that about 67% of male and 33% female patients had ACL reconstruction and rehabilitation. The study also represented that ACL rupture patients were more in 2013 but it is reduced in 2018 due to increase individual’s awareness. From 2012 to 2019, the 200 individual ACL reconstructions were done by two specialist surgeons. The age group was between 16 to 51 yrs. Most of the injuries were sports related. Many of them were household injuries. Only few accounted for accidental injuries. Conclusion: The incidence of ACL tears in orthopaedics patients increased over the last 8 years. Females were at higher risk except in the 17 to 18-year-old group. Peak incidence is noted during high school years. Allografts continued to be associated with a greater risk of secondary ACL injuries. Nonoperative treatment carried more risk of contralateral tears than ACLR. These data help target the most at-risk patients for ACL prevention programs.