- Podcast
- 03/10/2023
- UK
Delaying Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction Increases The Rate And Severity Of Medial Chondral Injuries
Description
This episode of the BJJ podcast, hosted by Andrew Duckworth, welcomes Professor Elvira Servien from the FIFA Medical Center of Excellence in Lyon, who discusses her recent paper on the implications of delayed anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. Joined by co-author Professor Seb Lustig and Editor-in-Chief Professor Fares Haddad, the discussion delves into the findings of their retrospective cohort study involving 1317 ACL reconstructions.
The podcast highlights the critical implications of delaying surgery, emphasizing that waiting over one year significantly increases both the rate and severity of medial chondral injuries, with 17% of patients showing medial cartilage damage and 9% on the lateral side. As the discussion unfolds, the panel examines the clinical implications, particularly for younger, active patients who often continue high levels of activity despite knee instability, leading to increased cartilage damage. The episode thoughtfully navigates the importance of timely ACL reconstruction and the need for individualized patient care in orthopaedics, especially in light of the challenges faced during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Listeners are encouraged to consider the findings presented, including the importance of addressing patient queries regarding surgical timing, and the underlying biomechanical factors affecting the knee post-injury. This engaging conversation ultimately underscores the necessity of optimizing surgical timelines to protect patient joint health and mobility.