Abstract
Aim: In order to monitor the developments in anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction and clinical outcome, a national clinical database for knee ligament surgery (Danish ACL Registry) was established in 2005. This study presents data for 2 years national production of ACL reconstructions from the Danish ACL registry.
Methods: All clinics performing ACL reconstructions in Denmark reports to the database. The database is divided into surgeon data and patient data. The surgeon reports anamnestic, objective knee laxity and operative data including graft and implant choices. At one year control, complications, reoperations and objective knee laxity are recorded. The patient registers the KOOS knee score and Tegner function score preoperatively and at 1, 5 and 10 years follow-up. A specific set of indicators that define good diagnostic procedures and clinical outcome have been specified.
Results: During the first 24months, more than 5000 knee-ligament reconstructions were registered. 84 % were primary ACL recontruction, 7,7 % were ACL revisions 8,4 %were multiligament reconstructions. 90 % of all departments reported to the database. 71 % of primary ACL reconstruction used hamstring tendon grafts and 21 % used patella tendon graft. Meniscus injuries were treated in 35 % of all patients. 17 % had significant cartilage lesions. Follow-up KOOS scores demonstrated specific differences between primary ACL, revision ACL and multiligament reconstructions.
Conclusion: This study presents epidiomiology and follow-up data a national ACL reconstruction registry. These data will become new international reference materials for outcome measures before and after ACL surgery. The database will enable future monitoring of developments in ACL reconstruction techniques and outcome.
The abstracts were prepared by David AF Morgan. Correspondence should be addressed to him at davidafmorgan@aoa.org.au
Declaration of interest: a