Outcomes after ACL Reconstruction Using the Norwegian Knee Ligament Registry

What is it about?

This article reviews the outcomes of patients who have undergone ACL reconstructions with either medial or lateral meniscectomies, or medial or lateral meniscus repairs.

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Why is it important?

This article is very important. It demonstrates that patients who have meniscectomies, which are known to bring about osteoarthritis and decrease functional outcomes over time, do not have any demonstrable differences compared to patients who did not have a meniscectomy at an average of 2 years after surgery. This indicates that patients who do have a meniscus treated with a resection should be followed for a longer period of time and be advised to look for the signs and symptoms of arthritis, such as pain or swelling with activity, to make sure that they go back and see an orthopaedic surgeon once the signs of arthritis develop in the future. This is especially important because many orthopaedic surgeons discharge their patients from follow-up at anywhere between 6 and 12 months after an ACL reconstruction. These patients will clearly not have any signs of arthritis at that point in time based on the results of the study. Longer-term follow-up and counseling patients as to the signs and symptoms of arthritis is important.

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