Does Anterior Cruciate Ligament reconstruction prevent or initiate knee osteoarthritis? -A critical review

Publication date: Available online 5 April 2019Source: Journal of Arthroscopy and Joint SurgeryAuthor(s): Raju Vaishya, Maduka Celestine Okwuchukwu, Amit Kumar Agarwal, Vipul VijayAbstractAnterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) injuries are common in the knee and are often caused by sports injuries. These injuries are common among the young population of the society and are significant causes of morbidity and functional impairment. Arthroscopic ACL Reconstruction (ACLR) is considered as a gold standard in the management of ACL injuries. ACLR has been shown to restore the joint stability, and improve the functional outcome. Nevertheless, the role of ACLR in the prevention of development and progression of osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee has remained controversial. While some authors are of the view that ACLR has a protective effect in the prevention of OA of the knee, others share a contrary view that ACLR potentiates the progression of OA in these operated cases. This research paper aims to review the effects of ACLR in the prevention, development, and progression of OA, alongside other factors that may modulate these effects on patients.
Source: Journal of Arthroscopy and Joint Surgery - Category: Orthopaedics Source Type: research