Anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction in patients over 50 years of age

Abstract

PURPOSE: To describe the clinical outcomes of patients over 50 years of age with following anterior cruciate ligament (ACL)reconstruction for acute rupture. METHODS: A prospective series of patients over the age of 50 years with a diagnosis of ACL rupture who underwent ACL reconstruction was examined. Lysholm and International Knee Documenting Committee (IKDC) subjective scores were assessed preoperatively and at the final follow-up. All associated injuries were documented, and complications were reported. The patients' satisfaction and return to sports were documented. The statistical analyses were preformed with Student's t-tests for independent samples. RESULTS: Fifty patients with a mean age of 52.12 years (50-64) and a mean follow-up period of 53.17 months (36-68) exhibited a mean postoperative Lysholm score of 93.7 (60-100) and IKDC score of 90.96 (57.5-100). Associated injuries occurred in 90% (45) of the patients and included the following: 76% (38) meniscal tears and 36% (18) osteochondral lesions. Complications occurred in 6% (3) of the patients and included the following: 4% (2) ACL re-ruptures and 2% (1) infections. Among all patients, 88% (44) returned to pre-injury sports levels, and 96% (48) were satisfied. CONCLUSIONS: For patients above the age of 50 years, ACL reconstruction appears to be a safe procedure with good to excellent results that are comparable to those for younger patients, and the possibility for returning to pre-injury sports levels for these patients is high.