Influence of Age, Gender, and Injury Mechanism on the Development of Dynamic Knee Stability After Acute ACL Rupture

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Cross-sectional study. To determine whether the distribution of those with and without dynamic knee stability after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) rupture differs by age, gender, and contact versus non-contact injury mechanisms. There is a differential return to preinjury activities after ACL rupture. It is unknown if there are specific patient groups who are more or less likely to experience good dynamic knee stability after ACL rupture. The study sample consisted of 345 consecutive, highly active patients with complete, isolated ACL insufficiency. Based on the results of a screening examination, patients were categorized as having either good (potential coper) or poor (noncoper) dynamic knee stability. Descriptive and chi-square statistics were calculated to describe patient characteristics and identify the proportion of potential copers and noncopers based on age, gender, and injury mechanism. The groups with the greatest proportion of noncopers were women (P=0.002), mid-aged adults (35-44 years old) (P<0.001), and individuals who sustained a noncontact ACL injury (P=0.011). Women who sustain an ACL rupture, and those who sustain an ACL rupture via a noncontact mechanism frequently experience dynamic knee instability. A profile of demographic characteristics of those most likely to experience knee instability after ACL rupture may facilitate improved patient outcomes.