SAN FRANCISCO, CA--(Marketwire - March 5, 2008) - Baby boomers and weekend warriors are
staying active well into their later years, making them susceptible to
injuring those aging frames-especially vulnerable to tearing their anterior
cruciate ligament (ACL). A new study presented today at the 75th Annual
Meeting of the
American Academy of
Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS), found that "boomers" who undergo
ACL surgery are
about as likely to return to pre-injury levels of activity as much younger
people.
These encouraging findings have led researchers to conclude that age itself
should not be a factor when determining candidates for the increasingly
common knee-ligament surgery.
"Twenty years ago we did not see older patients being so active later in
life. ACL surgery was rarely considered for people in their 40s and 50s,"
said Diane Dahm, MD, assistant professor of orthopaedic surgery at the Mayo
Clinic in Minnesota. "Older patients today want to continue to run, play
basketball and be active late into life, so they need a level of knee
stability that will support an active lifestyle."
The study followed the recovery of 34 patients aged 50 to 66 for an average
of 48 months between 1990 and 2002 following ACL surgery at the Mayo
Clinic. Patients with injuries to multiple knee ligaments were excluded.
The study found that after ACL surgery:
-- 83 percent were rated as normal or near-normal
-- 83 percent returned to playing sports
-- patients went from 4.3 before surgery to 8.3 postoperatively on the
UCLA (University of California at Los Angeles) activity score
-- five of the 34 patients required additional knee surgery
"Today's active baby boomers are pushing the envelope for when people are
considered to be too old for ACL surgery," concluded Dr. Dahm. "When
considering candidates for ACL surgery, people's fitness levels and their
desire to return to an active lifestyle should be taken into account rather
than looking at age."
The ACL is one of the most commonly injured ligaments of the knee. The
incidence of ACL injuries is currently estimated at approximately 200,000
annually, with 100,000 ACL reconstructions performed each year. In general,
the incidence of ACL injury is higher in people who participate in
high-risk sports, such as basketball, football, skiing and soccer.
Disclosure: Dr. Dahm has received no compensation for this study.
Abstract 039
About
AAOS
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http://www.pwrnewmedia.com/2008/aaos030508/index.html
Contact Information: For more information, contact:
Lauren Pearson
C: (224) 374-8610
O: (847) 384-4031
Catherine Dolf
C: (847) 894-9112
O: (847) 384-4034