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Research Journal of Medical Sciences

ISSN: Online 1993-6095
ISSN: Print 1815-9346
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Impact of Surgery Timing on Functional Outcomes in Arthroscopic Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction

S. Gurucharan, Shashank Sonth, Somasundaram Sekar, Karthik Vyasa, Ambareesh Parameshwar and B. Rajaneesh
Page: 551-556 | Received 20 Oct 2024, Published online: 08 Jan 2025

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https://doi.org/10.36478/10.36478/makrjms.2025.1.551.556

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Abstract

The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is the primary stabilizer of the knee, and ACL tears are among the most common knee injuries worldwide. A complete ACL tear typically requires surgical intervention, with arthroscopic ACL reconstruction being the most widely used surgical technique. However, there is no consensus in the literature regarding the optimal timing for surgical reconstruction of the ACL. This study aimed to evaluate the functional outcomes of patients undergoing arthroscopic ACL reconstruction surgery at different time intervals: within 4 weeks of injury, between 4‐8 weeks and between 8‐12 weeks of injury. The objective was to determine the optimal timing for ACL reconstruction following the injury. This prospective observational study was conducted in the Department of Orthopedics at Vydehi Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Centre, between October 2018 and October 2020. Patients with ACL tears treated with arthroscopic ACL reconstruction using autologous semi tendinosus grafts were divided into three groups based on the duration since the injury: Group 1 (surgery within 4 weeks of injury), Group 2 (surgery between 4‐8 weeks of injury) and Group 3 (surgery between 8‐12 weeks of injury). Associated intraoperative lesions were documented and patients followed a standard ACL rehabilitation protocol. Functional outcomes were assessed using the International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) score and the Knee Society Score (KSS) at 6, 12 and 24 weeks post‐surgery. Complications, if any, were noted during follow‐ups. The results indicated no significant differences in the mean IKDC and KSS scores among the three groups. Statistical analysis revealed that the timing of arthroscopic ACL reconstruction within 12 weeks of injury did not significantly impact functional outcomes. Therefore, this study concludes that there is no optimal timing for ACL reconstruction surgery within the first 12 weeks post‐injury to achieve superior functional outcomes.

How to cite this article:

S. Gurucharan, Shashank Sonth, Somasundaram Sekar, Karthik Vyasa, Ambareesh Parameshwar and B. Rajaneesh. Impact of Surgery Timing on Functional Outcomes in Arthroscopic Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.36478/10.36478/makrjms.2025.1.551.556
URL: https://www.makhillpublications.co/view-article/1815-9346/10.36478/makrjms.2025.1.551.556