Summary

Complete and partial arthroscopic resection of ALCDM provide excellent functional results, but require a prolonged follow-up

Abstract

Introduction

Anterior cruciate ligament mucoid degeneration (ACL-MD) has a prevalence of 1 to 5.3%. Often confused with a torn ACL, it affects mature patients and manifests as spontaneous swelling, disabling posterior pain and limited range of motion. The literature remains poor recommending arthroscopic resection with a lack of follow up.
This study reports survival and functional results after arthroscopic surgical management.

Material And Method

Here is a retrospective serie of thirty knees (2 bilateral) in twenty-eight. Mean age was 50.76 years (+/- 9.3). Eight patients (34%) had a full resection and twenty (66%) had partial debridement. Mean post op follow-up was 76 months. Revision-free survival was analyzed, as were functional results regarding IKDC and SKV scores.

Results

Nine patients developed a functional instability after surgery. Four patients required ACL reconstruction at 3, 12, 24 and 26 months. The mean IKDC score was 81.32 (+/- 9.38) and the mean SKV score was 80.45 (+/- 12.91). We did not notice secondary arthritic changes and no prosthetic surgery was needed.

Conclusion

Arthroscopic management of ACL-DM provides excellent functional results. The amount of ACL to resect depends on its aspect at surgery. The risk of secondary instability requires a prolonged follow-up.