Evaluation of accompanying knee joint lesions in patients with arthroscopic reconstruction of anterior cruciate ligament rupture and effect of these lesions on mid-long-term functional outcomes

Background: Meniscal or chondral lesions accompanying anterior cruciate ligament injury is not a rare condition, and we come across them quite often. The aim of this study is to evaluate and compare functional outcomes of primary anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction with or without accompanying injuries, also taking time from injury and rehabilitation periods into consideration. Methods: 612 patients (558 males, 54 females) who undergone ACL reconstruction in our center between 2011-2020 were enrolled. Functional outcomes were evaluated with standartized tests such as IKDC, KOOS, Lysholm and Tegner activity scores. Age, time from initial injury to surgery, accompanying injuries, activity levels, rehabilitation periods were variables also taken into account. 443 of 612 of patients were traceable during routine follow-ups, thus, only this group of patients hold accountable for aforementioned parameters. Results: Prevalence of medial and lateral meniscus tears was %50,82 and %18,63 respectively, while %15,5 of patients had condral lesions. Mean time from initial injury for patients with meniscal injuries only, chondral injuries only, both lesions and no lesions were 18.5±33.6 months, 27.5±72 months, 42.4±58.8 months and 4.9±9.2 months respectively. Concomittant full-thickness chondral lesions (grade 3-4), time from initial injury and post-operative rehabilitation period had significant effect on post-operative patient reported outcome measures. Conclusion: As time from initial injury to surgery prolongs, chances to meet chondral lesions increase while post-operative patient reported outcome measures decrease. Early operated patient group (i.e. ≤6 months) met the best outcomes. Also post-operative rehabilitation period had significant effect on outcomes.