Evaluation of optimal timing of anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction to prevent secondary meniscus and cartilage injury

Abstract

We retrospectively reviewed 233 patients who underwent primary anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction in order to determine the incidence of concomitant meniscus and cartilage injury, and optimal timing of ligament reconstruction. Among them, 114 (48.9%) and 12 patients (5.2%) had meniscus and cartilage injury, respectively. They had significantly longer time interval from injury to reconstruction than isolated anterior cruciate ligament injured patients. It was preferred that we perform anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction within 4.5 months from the viewpoint of prevention of secondary meniscus and cartilage injury.