Functional outcomes of patients following concomitant anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction and partial meniscectomy at Muhimbili Orthopaedic Institute

Abstract

ABSTRACT Background: Injuries to the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) are often accompanied by damage to other knee structures, most commonly the meniscus. When performing ACL reconstruction (ACLR), addressing a concomitant meniscal tear is often necessary. In certain cases, partial meniscectomy remains the preferred surgical approach. At Muhimbili Orthopaedic Institute (MOI), combined ACLR and partial meniscectomy are routinely performed. Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the functional outcomes of patients undergoing concomitant ACL reconstruction and partial meniscectomy at MOI. Materials and Methods: A longitudinal study design was employed. Adult patients (aged 18 and above) who met the inclusion criteria and underwent partial meniscectomy alongside ACL reconstruction were recruited (n=34). Participants underwent assessments of knee function (pain, range of motion) pre-surgery and at follow-up intervals (2nd, 6th, 12th, and 16th weeks). Data were collected using a pre-tested questionnaire. The primary outcome measure was the Lysholm score, which was used to assess knee function alongside knee range of motion. Pre-surgical scores served as a baseline for comparison. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 27. Results: A total of 34 participants were enrolled in the study. Participants were predominantly younger than 40 years old (82.4%) and male (64.7%). Most surgeries (88.2%) were performed more than 3 months after the initial injury, with a wide range observed (minimum: 0.9 months, maximum: 248.4 months, mean: 43.03 months). Sports injuries were the most frequent cause (79.4%), followed by motor vehicle accidents (14.7%). There was no statistically significant association between sex, age group, or duration of injury and functional outcomes at the 16-week follow-up (p > 0.05 for all). All participants achieved good to excellent Functional outcome by Lysholm scores at 16 weeks, with the majority (61.8%) scoring in the excellent category. The mean Lysholm score demonstrated a significant improvement from baseline (63.26 ± 12.27) to 16 weeks (94.21 ± 3.79), with a mean improvement of 30.94 points (p < 0.05). vii Conclusions: These findings suggest that patients undergoing concomitant anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction and partial meniscectomy at MOI experience good functional outcomes at 16 weeks post-surgery. While sex, age, and time since injury did not significantly impact outcomes at this follow-up point, further research is warranted to investigate longer-term functional recovery and potential factors influencing long-term outcomes.