Patient Information Resources


Orthogate
1089 Spadina Road
Toronto, AL M5N 2M7
Ph: 416-483-2654
Fax: 416-483-2654
christian@orthogate.com






Ankle
Child Orthopedics
Elbow
Foot
General
Hand
Hip
Knee
Shoulder
Spine - Cervical
Spine - Lumbar
Spine - Thoracic
Wrist

View Web RX

« Back

I've heard that the younger you are when you have ACL surgery, the worse the results. Why is that? I'm 23, need ACL surgery, and want the best results possible.

Statistical data on orthopedic surgeries performed in the U.S. show that anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries are common. The number of ACL surgeries is on the rise and not because there are more surgeons around to do the surgery or because there are more people in general (as measured by the U.S. census). More people are active and involved in sports and activities that can lead to trauma and knee injuries. Knowing that ACL reconstruction is a common procedure, it's important to look at the results. How safe is the procedure? Do the results hold up over time? How many patients end up having complications or another surgery later? In a recent study, a statewide hospital database from New York was used to gather information on the results of ACL reconstruction. In this study, they measured 1) number of ACL reconstruction surgeries done between 1997 and 2006, 2) how often these patients need another surgery later, and 3) risk factors to predict readmission or second surgeries. Using hospital identification numbers and physician license numbers, the researchers were able to calculate annual volume for the 263 facilities and the 1513 surgeons involved. Basic information about over 70,500 patients who had an ACL reconstruction was collected (e.g., age, sex, type of insurance coverage, and the presence of other health problems). As you have heard, age was a big factor. The patients who had the highest readmission rate (within 90 days) were older men (more than 40 years old) or those who had other health problems. But there was one other important factor. Patients were also more likely to be readmitted for problems if they were operated on by a lower-volume surgeon in a lower-volume hospital. Low volume was defined as the surgeon performed less than six ACL reconstructions per year in a hospital where less than 24 total procedures of this type were done each year. The risk of having a subsequent ACL surgery (within one-year) was highest among patients who were younger than 40 (especially those who were younger than 20 years old). That may be because they are more active and less likely to follow guidelines on restrictions following surgery. One other risk factor for later problems requiring additional surgery was having a meniscectomy (meniscus removal) at the time of the initial ACL reconstruction procedure. Age is an important factor, but it isn't the only one. The patient's general health, the surgeon's experience, the presence of other knee injuries, and patient activity level must all be taken into consideration. Anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction is a technically demanding procedure. The complexity of the procedure is a risk factor of its own. Surgeon and hospital volume are important but there are many other possible risk factors yet to be explored when trying to isolate what it is that causes patients to require readmission or subsequent surgery. Future studies are needed to look at the many possible risk factors.

References:

« Back





*Disclaimer:*The information contained herein is compiled from a variety of sources. It may not be complete or timely. It does not cover all diseases, physical conditions, ailments or treatments. The information should NOT be used in place of visit with your healthcare provider, nor should you disregard the advice of your health care provider because of any information you read in this topic.


All content provided by eORTHOPOD® is a registered trademark of Mosaic Medical Group, L.L.C.. Content is the sole property of Mosaic Medical Group, LLC and used herein by permission.