Purpose: To evaluate return to sport and clinical outcomes with at least 2 years followup after arthroscopic reconstruction ACL in population over 50 years-old.
Methods: eighty-one patients aged 50 years or older underwent isolated, primary ACL reconstruction with hamstring autograft between 2014 and 2016. In all patients, a period of conservative treatment had failed (minimum 6 months), and they complained of functional instability and/or limitation during daily activity. Patients were assessed preoperatively and at the latest follow-up with a physical examination, return to sports activity, the Lysholm score, the International Knee Documentation Committee scoring system, the Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score, and the Tegner activity scale. Data regarding complications and revision surgeries were collected at 2-year follow-up.
Results: At the last follow-up, significant improvement in outcome scores from pre- to postoperative assessments was found. The mean overall IKDC score increased from a preoperative mean of 54.4-82.9 (p < 0.001). Mean preoperative Lysholm score increased from a preoperative mean of 67.4-90.4 (p < 0.001). The mean overall KOOS score increased from a preoperative mean (p < 0.001). Median preoperative Tegner score was 5 (range 2-8) and median postoperative score was 5 (range 1-7). 86% of patients returned to the sport, 51% to their preinjury sports level. Tegner score, before accident, was the only positive influencing factor a return to pre-injury level of the sport.
Conclusion: Arthroscopic reconstruction ACL in patients over 50 years-old resulted in excellent functional outcomes, with most patients returning to sport and at the same level they had before the injury.
Level of evidence: Level IV.
Keywords: 50 years; ACL reconstruction; Anterior cruciate ligament; Return to sport.