2026 Volume 5 Issue 2 Pages 85-89
Background: Patients undergoing anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) are instructed to perform non-weight-bearing (NWB) walking with crutches postoperatively. However, some fail to reacquire NWB walking despite preoperative ability. This study aimed to identify factors associated with the early reacquisition of NWB walking after ACLR.
Methods: Among 100 patients who underwent ACLR at our institution (March 2020-February 2023), 51 who could perform NWB walking preoperatively and had no postoperative complications were included. They were divided into an independent group (achieved NWB walking by postoperative day 6, n=33) and a non-independent group (n=18). Age, inflammatory markers, pain scores, and knee circumference were analyzed statistically.
Results: Logistic regression identified age as the sole independent predictor (odds ratio per year 1.09; 95% CI : 1.020-1.160; p=0.0073). The area under the ROC curve (AUC) was 0.706 (95% CI : 0.560-0.853), with an optimal cutoff of 25 years.
Conclusion: Among ACLR patients who could perform non-weight-bearing (NWB) crutch walking preoperatively, age was suggested to be an important limiting factor for its postoperative reacquisition.
