8 Facts from a Recent Study on ACL Reconstructions from the American Journal of Sports Medicine

ACL Reconstruction and Future OutcomesDr. Stacie Grossfeld is a double board-certified surgeon in the fields of orthopedic surgery and also sports medicine. Her combination of specialties means that she spends a lot of time working with injured athletes around Louisville, KY. One of the most common injuries among high school and college athletes are torn Anterior Cruciate Ligaments (ACLs). In order to offer the best medical care that she can, Dr. Grossfeld stays up-to-date on scientific findings surrounding ACL injuries and ACL reconstruction. One of the main resources that Dr. Grossfeld uses to do so is the American Journal of Sports Medicine (AJSM).

The AJSM is “an invaluable resource for the orthopedic sports medicine community” and is also a peer-reviewed scientific journal. The most common topics that the AJSM covers include:

  • ACL Injuries & Reconstructions
  • Degenerative Joint Disease
  • New Surgical Techniques
  • Rehabilitation & Physical Training
  • Subjects Specific to Sports
  • Treatment Techniques

Recently the AJSM released an article in which they discussed updates to 10 previously stated facts regarding ACL injuries, treatment, and reconstructions. These facts came from a study of 2,019 patients who underwent ACL reconstructions in California over a nine-year period from 2005 to 2014. The 2,019 patients were cared for by 200 different surgeons spread out among 46 different hospitals in California. Follow along to read more about what was learned during this study and how it will affect the future of orthopedic medicine.

8 Facts on ACL Reconstruction Learned from the Newest American Journal of Sports Medicine Study 

  1. 10.5% of Patients Required Subsequent Operative Procedures

  2. 4.3% of Patients Underwent a Second Revision Surgery

  3. Over Half of the Patients had a Concurrent Meniscal Injury

  4. Out of Those Patients, Only 26% Were Reparable

  5. Cartilage Injuries & Damage Were Present in 42% of Patients

  6. Deep Surgical Infections Occurred in 6% of Patients

  7. Deep Venous Thrombosis Occurred in .3% of Patients

  8. Pulmonary Embolism Occurred in .1% of Patients

The facts learned from the most recent study on ACL reconstruction by the American Journal of Sports Medicine are important for the future of orthopedics. ACL reconstruction surgery has many benefits including regaining mobility and being able to return to normal activity. However, as this study proves, there are also some risks that come with ACL reconstructions. Most risks associated with ACL reconstruction surround the activity level the patient is used to and wants to return to.

An ACL injury can be devastating to athletes and non-athletes alike. It is highly recommended if you’re an athlete who suffers a torn ACL, you do not return to the same level of sporting activity you were at prior to injury. Multiple studies have been done on re-injury rates in younger athletes and while the studies differ, the findings are similar. Overall, findings prove that once an athlete suffers an ACL tear, the risk of re-injury is extremely high.

On the other hand, if you are over the age of 60 and tear your ACL, reconstruction can be hugely beneficial. Years ago, the idea of performing an ACL reconstruction on a patient over 60 years of age was almost unheard of. However, in this day and age, researchers have found that elderly patients with no signs of knee arthritis benefit greatly from ACL reconstruction surgery.

Studies on orthopedic medicine surrounding ACL injuries and reconstructions are highly important to the medical community.

As studies continue to release data, orthopedic surgeons, like Dr. Grossfeld, can learn more on how to assess, diagnose, and treat patients of all ages and backgrounds who suffer ACL injuries. Studies, like this one, can also help orthopedic surgeons address the risks that come with surgery and discuss other options for rehabilitation with high-risk patients. As more studies surrounding ACL injuries and reconstructions, as well as other orthopedic medicine topics, are released, Dr. Grossfeld will also continue to evaluate that information here.

To learn more about the American Journal of Sports Medicine, visit their website here. If you are an athlete or non-athlete between the ages of 20 and 60 who has suffered a torn ACL and are in need of medical attention, contact Dr. Stacie Grossfeld today. Dr. Grossfeld has over 10 years of experience repairing torn ACLs and is constantly reading up on the latest findings regarding ACL injuries. Call 502-212-2663 to make an appointment today.