Mucoid Degeneration of the Anterior Cruciate Ligament: Characterization of Natural History, Femoral Notch Width Index, and Patient Reported Outcome Measures

J Knee Surg DOI: 10.1055/s-0038-1660514The presentation and clinical course of mucoid degeneration of the anterior cruciate ligament (MD-ACL) are poorly documented within the literature. Subsequently, it is under-diagnosed and the optimal management strategy remains ill-defined. Here, we characterize the syndrome associated with MD-ACL and compare the natural clinical course with the outcomes of arthroscopic management. Thirty-one patients with radiological features of MD-ACL over a 2-year period had their clinical notes retrospectively reviewed. Seven patients underwent arthroscopic debridement of the ACL for MD. These were followed up for a minimum of 2 years and an average of 2.8 years from surgery. The remainder were managed conservatively (n = 24) and were followed up for a minimum of 2 years and an average of 4.0 years. The notch width index (NWI) and associated pathology was noted. Primary outcome measures were presence of knee pain and use of analgesia. Secondary outcome measures were the Oxford and Lysholm knee scores. The most commonly reported symptoms were posterior knee pain (77.4%) and limitation of terminal flexion (58.1%). All patients who underwent arthroscopic debridement were pain and analgesia free at follow-up. Of the patients who did not undergo arthroscopic surgery, three patients had knee replacement surgery and three were lost to follow-up. The remaining patients, 14/18 (77.8%), reported knee pain and regular analgesia use at follow-up, which was ...
Source: Journal of Knee Surgery - Category: Orthopaedics Authors: Tags: Original Article Source Type: research