Prognostic factors for knee pain, symptoms, function and quality of life 32-37 years after surgically or non-surgically managed ACL injury

Abstract

Introduction: Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury can have devastating physical and psychological implications for young, active adults. However, outcomes beyond 30 years of ACL injury are unclear. Identifying prognostic factors for long-term ACL injury outcome may inform management strategies to optimise long-term function and quality of life (QOL). This study aimed to determine if ACL treatment (non-surgical, early-surgical, delayed-surgical), baseline meniscal injury/surgery, 4–year activity level, 4–year self-reported and objective knee function, are prognostic factors for patient-reported outcomes 32–37 years after ACL-injury.