Accessing the impact of Age on ACL Reconstruction Outcomes in Female Patients

Purpose: This study focuses on the impact of age in female patients and Patient Reported outcome measures (PROMs) after ACL reconstruction (ACLR). Higher incidences of ACL injuries are noted in female patients and age has been shown to have an impact on the risk of ACL injuries, but limited data exists on functionality after ACLR in female patients based on age groups.

Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted using data collected on patients that underwent ACLR. Demographic information along with PROMs were collected preoperatively, and post-operatively at 3 months, 6 months, 1 year, and 2 years which included: Visual Analog Scale, Marx Activity, and the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) including Pain, Symptoms, Activity of Daily Living (ADL), Sports and Recreation, and Quality of Life subscales.

Results: Patients 25 patients improve more slowly and more linearly over the 2-years with final outcomes similar to the 25 age group reported lower scores at every time point but the change in scores, overtime, did not differ. At 2 years after ACLR, the KOOS Pain, Symptom, and Sport scores were similar in female patients regardless of age but patients >25 years of age take longer to achieve these outcomes and Marx activity scores remained lower compared to the <25 group. Conclusion: A temporal relationship was established that indicated that younger female patients recovered quicker, compared to older female patients. Clinically, these results can be used to counsel patients and set realistic expectations about the timeline for recovery after ACLR.