Abstract
To compare the current practice of ACL reconstruction in a District General Hospital against the recently produced BOA best practice guidelines, we have reviewed all ACL reconstructions performed at our institute from 1997 – 2001. We have assessed the interval from injury to reconstruction and the role of pre-operative assessment and education. We have assessed the standard of documentation regarding the in-patient stay and the surgery itself, including the grade of operating surgeon. Post-operatively, we have assessed the position of the grafts radiologically, and whether original levels of sporting activity were regained.
The average time from injury to first consultation in an orthopaedic clinic was 23.6 months. In respect of the admission notes, 77% had the history of injury and symptoms documented, and although all had a general pre-operative cardio-respiratory examination documented, none had evidence of examination of the relevant knee joint. Furthermore, none of the patients had the risks and benefits of the procedure documented at admission, and only one patient had been consented by the operating surgeon. Peri-operatively, all patients received both antibiotics and thromboprophylaxis, although only 21% had daily entries in the notes. The average post-operative follow-up was 9.1 months.
From this audit of our current practice, we have highlighted the following points :-
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There is still an unacceptable delay in the diagnosis of ACL rupture.
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Documentation must be improved, with regard to admission examination, daily note entries and recording the findings at EUA.
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The specific risks and benefits of surgery must be documented either at out-patient assessment or at the time of consent.
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Consent is not obtained by the operating surgeon.
The abstracts were prepared by Mr Richard Buxton. Correspondence should be addressed to him at Bankton Cottage, 21 Bankton Park, Kingskettle, Cupar, Fife KY15 7PY, United Kingdom
