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Comparative Study
. 2008 Feb;32(1):57-61.
doi: 10.1007/s00264-006-0273-x. Epub 2006 Oct 11.

Is ACL reconstruction only for athletes? A study of the incidence of meniscal and cartilage injuries in an ACL-deficient athlete and non-athlete population: an Indian experience

Clement Joseph  1 , Shirish S Pathak, M Aravinda, David Rajan
Affiliations
Comparative Study

Is ACL reconstruction only for athletes? A study of the incidence of meniscal and cartilage injuries in an ACL-deficient athlete and non-athlete population: an Indian experience

Clement Joseph et al. Int Orthop. 2008 Feb.

Abstract
in English, French

While anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction is readily offered to athletes, non-athletes are often treated conservatively. We carried out a retrospective, cross-sectional analysis study to compare the incidence of meniscal and cartilage injuries in an athlete and non-athlete population in relation to time of presentation since injury. The results were used to assess the need and relevance of ACL reconstruction in the non-athlete population. The study included 1375 patients who underwent ACL reconstruction between 1998 and 2004. These patients were initially broadly divided into two categories: athletes (575) and non-athletes (800). Each category was then sub-divided into four subgroups based on time elapsed between the injury and presentation at our clinic (Group A, 3 months; Group B, 3-12 months; Group C, 1-3 years; Group D, more than 3 years). Arthroscopic findings were documented for medial and lateral meniscus and cartilage injuries, and comparisons were made between the incidence of associated injuries in the corresponding groups. There was a statistically significant increase in the incidence of meniscal injuries and cartilage injuries after 1 year in both the groups. There was no difference in the incidence of meniscal and cartilage injuries in athletes and non-athletes among the corresponding groups. (chi-square test, p = 0.05). These results demonstrate that both athletes and non-athletes are equally susceptible for long-term meniscal and cartilage injuries if ACL reconstruction is not carried out early.

Tandis que la reconstruction du ligament croisé antérieur est rapidement proposée aux athlètes, les non athlètes sont souvent traités conservativement. Notre étude compare l’incidence des lésions méniscales et cartilagineuses dans les 2 types de population en fonction du temps écoulé depuis le traumatisme pour apprécier la pertinence de la reconstruction du croisé chez les non-athlètes. L’étude incluait 1375 patients ayant eu une reconstruction du croisé antérieur entre 1998 et 2004. Ils étaient divisés en athlètes (575) et non-athlètes (800). Chaque catégorie était divisée en 4 groupes selon le délai depuis le traumatisme : groupe A < 3 mois, groupe B 3 mois à 1 an, groupe C 1 à 3 ans et groupe D > 3 ans. Les données arthroscopiques notaient l’incidence des lésions cartilagineuses et méniscales dans les différents groupes. Il y avait une augmentation significative des atteintes méniscales et cartilagineuses au-delà d’un an dans les 2 populations. Il n’y avait pas de différence statistique dans l’incidence de ces lésions au sein de chaque groupe chez les athlètes et les non-athlètes (chi-square test, p = 0,05). Ceci montre que les non athlètes développent également des lésions cartilagineuses et méniscales si la reconstruction du ligament croisé antérieur n’est pas faite rapidement.

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Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Bar diagram showing the incidence of meniscal injuries in athletes and non-athletes in each subgroup
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Line diagram showing the incidence of lateral meniscal injuries in athletes and non-athletes versus time
Fig. 3
Fig. 3
Line diagram showing the incidence of medial meniscal injuries (percentage) in athletes and non-athletes versus time
Fig. 4
Fig. 4
Line diagram showing the incidence of cartilage injuries in athletes and non-athletes (percentage) versus time
See this image and copyright information in PMC

References

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