Knee lesions with anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear in Iraqi adult males: arthroscopic findings

Abstract

This cross-sectional study aimed at exploring the frequency and extent of knee joint lesions associated with delayed treatment of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury. It enrolled 300 patients from 2020 to 2022 who were subjected to arthroscopy for anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. The sample was comprised of Iraqi adult male patients from different regions of Iraq, and the surgical procedure was carried out in Al-Diwaniyah Teaching Hospital. The findings were recorded by Karl Storz’s camera system. Dissection and arthroscopy were done under general anesthesia using an anterolateral portal technique. The study employed a visualization of the anterior cruciate ligament probing the meniscus and reaching the posteromedial space for the ramp lesion. The mean age of patients was 28.05±6.92 years, ranging from 19 to 35 years and the mean duration from onset of injury to the time of operation was 3.69±1.07 years, ranging from 6 months to 10 years. The arthroscopic examination revealed medial meniscus tear in 80% of the cases, lateral meniscus tear in 40% of the cases, cartilage lesion in 40% of the cases, and meniscus ramp lesions in 10% of the cases. Most cases of ACL tear are associated with a meniscus injury, cartilage defect, and collateral ligament tear. These serious lesions, such as complex meniscus tears or full articular cartilage defects, are a direct consequence of delayed treatment. Consequently, it is crucial to inform the patients about the significant issues that can arise due to treatment delays.