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- Vrsta/tip rada: Pregledni (revijski) članak
- PREGLEDAJTE RAD
- PREUZMITE RAD
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- 56 pregleda
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Abstract
Introduction. The study aimed to determine whether delaying reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament significantly affects return to sporting activity, surgical outcomes, and rates of associated knee injuries, and to identify reasons for delay.
Material and Methods. The study included 1,020 patients of both sexes (80% men and 20% women); 67% were recreational athletes, and 51% were footballers. All patients filled out a questionnaire, which contained functional activity scales. Patients were divided into an early-operated group (n = 320, surgery between 3 weeks and 3 months after injury) and a delayed operated group (n =700, surgery more than 3 months after injury).
Results and Discussion. The mean preoperative Tegner score was 4.49, and the postoperative score was 5.72. The mean preoperative Lysholm score was 73.28, rising to 92.08 postoperatively. The longer the interval before diagnosis, sur gery, and resumption of running, training and competing, the lower the resulting activity scores. Early reconstructions were associated with higher mean postoperative scores than delayed reconstruction on both the Tegner scale (6.2 vs 5.5) and the Lysholm scale (93.1 vs 91.6). The early-operated group also had a lower rate of medial meniscal injury (20% vs 26%), and less cartilage damage (12.2% vs 22.3%). Patients’ own (subjective) reasons accounted for 61% of delays.
Conclusion. The ideal timing for reconstruction is patient-specific and depends on resolution of swelling and restoration of knee range of motion and muscle strength. Delaying surgery beyond 3 months is associated with secondary injury to the medial meniscus and cartilage, and with poorer functional and sporting outcomes.