Risk of arthrofibrosis in anatomical anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: the role of timing and meniscus suture.

Abstract

The optimal timing of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction remains controversial. Several studies have shown that early surgery leads to an increased rate of arthrofibrosis and poorer postoperative function. Other studies found no correlation between time of surgery and arthrofibrosis. The influence of simultaneous meniscus treatment is also discussed. Aim of this study was to ascertain whether the timing of surgery and treatment of meniscus influences the occurrence rate of arthrofibrosis. Two hundred and six patients could be included. These were split into two groups. Group 1: surgery within 6weeks after ACL rupture (n = 68), group 2: surgery after more than 6weeks (n = 68). In addition, 2 matched groups were created (n =138 ). Follow-up was 12months after surgery. The primary endpoint was the rate of subsequent arthrofibrosis procedures (arthroscopic arthrolysis). Secondary endpoints were knee function (knee osteoarthritis outcome score: KOOS), knee pain (numeric rating scale: NRS) and patient satisfaction measured on a 5 point Likert scale. In 6 of the 68 patients in group 1 (8.8%) and 3 of the 138 patients in group 2 (2.2%) a subsequent arthroscopic arthrolysis was performed (OR 4.4). A simultaneous meniscal suture was performed in 58 patients (30 of them in group 1). Five of the six patients with subsequent arthrolysis in group 1 received meniscal repair (OR for arthrolysis 3.4). There was no difference between the groups in terms of knee function (KOOS), pain (NRS) and patient satisfaction. The rate of subsequent arthroscopic arthrolysis was higher in the acute surgery group. However, most of these subsequent procedures were associated with meniscal repair at index surgery with a more restrictive rehabilitation protocol than after ACL reconstruction without meniscus repair. This allows the assessment that the meniscal suturing poses an increased risk. Therefore, this allows the conclusion that if using an anatomical surgical technique and considering the signs of inflammation with effusion, pain and movement deficit less than 90° there is no increased risk of arthrofibrosis.