Age and ACL reconstruction revisited

To determine the age limitations for indicating ACL reconstructions in patients with functional instability, this article reviews the results of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstructions in 23 patients with an average age of 54 years (range: 49-64 years). Patients were evaluated with the Lysholm and Gillquist knee questionairre, visual analog scale, satisfaction rating, physical examination, KT-1000 testing, and radiographs. Nineteen of the 23 patients were available for follow-up at an average of 24 months after the index procedure. Sixteen patients returned for physical examination and 3 agreed to telephone interviews. The mean Lysholm score was 92, visual analog score 0.5, satisfaction rating 100%, KT-1000 testing 2mm, range of motion 0° to 135°. Sixteen of the 19 patients returned to acceptable activity levels. Fifteen patients had excellent or good results, while 4 patients had fair or poor results. Three of the 4 fair or poor results had significant moderate or severe knee arthrosis. Anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction with allograft in 49-64 year-old patients with minimal arthrosis is a safe, minimally invasive procedure that allows for return to a desired level of activity.