Age over 50 does not predict results in anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction.

Abstract

Introduction Grown in the worldwide population of over 50 of age individuals who remain in good health and continue to engage in sports has led to an increase of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears in this aged population. ACL reconstruction was reserved for young and active athletes, but seems to produce good outcomes also in over 50s. Purpose To compare the patient-reported functional scores, arthrometric outcomes, and complications of primary ACL reconstruction between older (>50 years) and younger (<50 years) patients. Methods A systematic review was performed on Pubmed, Scopus, Google Scholar and Cochrane library regarding studies that compared the clinical outcomes of ACLR between patients aged > 50 years and those aged < 50 years. The outcomes evaluated were knee functional outcomes, antero-posterior laxity and complications rate. Results This study included 5 retrospective cohort studies with a total of 645 patients (357 in the older 50 group and 288 in the younger group). All included studies reported significant improvements in clinical outcomes in both groups after ACL reconstruction. No significant differences were noted in terms of International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC), Lysholm, Tegner scores and anteroposterior instability between the two groups (p = n.s.). Over 50 cohort seem to have an increased risk for complication rate when compared with the younger cohort (p= 0.0005). Conclusion ACL reconstruction in patients older than 50 years is a safe procedure with good results that are comparable to those of younger patients. Study design Systematic review and meta-analysis; Level of evidence, 3

Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction Improves Functional Scores and Quality of Life in Patients Older Than 50 Years of Age

“… 40 , 41 , 42 Corona et al. 43 showed comparable results with younger patients at a large systematic review. Weng et al.…”

A High-Grade Lachman’s Exam Predicts a Ramp Tear of the Medial Meniscus in Patients with Anterior Cruciate Ligament Tear: A Prospective Clinical and Radiological Evaluation

“…Medial meniscus ramp tears have detrimental effects on overall knee stability and if left untreated, can contribute to the early progression of osteoarthritis [9]. Biomechanical studies have reported that concomitant ACL and medial meniscus ramp tears increase anterior tibial translation and internal rotation of the knee compared to an isolated ACL tear state [1,10,11].…”

Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction with Quadrupled Semitendinosus Graft or Synthetic Ligament: Knee Stability and Clinical Outcomes at Three Years Follow-Up

“…ACLR is also increasing in middle-aged patients, and it has been seen that ACLR may be performed without concern for inferior clinical and arthrometric results compared with younger patients (<50 years) [ 6 , 7 ].…”