The Impact of Delay to Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction on Patient-Reported Outcomes and Concurrent Knee Injuries

The ideal timing of anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction is debatable after ligament tear. Purpose: To investigate the effects of delay from time of injury to reconstruction, on the cost-effectiveness, the incidence of concurrent knee pathology, and the patientsâ quality of life. Methods: We performed 2 systematic reviews and 1 multicenter cohort study, looking at the effects of delay, from injury to surgery, on the cost-effectiveness, concurrent knee injuries, and on quality of life, respectively. Results: Despite substantial heterogeneity, ligament reconstruction was costeffective in each study. A significant increase in medial meniscal and cartilage pathology was found as of 3 monthsâ post-injury, at which point, a decline in quality of life was also detected, 2 years post-operatively. Conclusion: An increase in delay from time of injury to surgery can lead to an increase in cost, medial meniscal and cartilage pathology, and a potential decline of quality of life.M.Sc