A Prospective Observational Study for the Assessment of Functional Outcome in Patients Undergoing Arthroscopic Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction with Concurrent Meniscus Repair Surgery

Dr. Devarsh Goyal, Dr. Vicky Kumar, Dr. Tej Pratap Khuteta, Dr. Harshit Kumar, Dr. R. P. Assat

Abstract: Background: Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries frequently coexist with meniscal tears, particularly in young and active individuals. Meniscal preservation during ACL reconstruction is increasingly favored due to its critical role in joint stability, load distribution, and long-term chondroprotection. This study evaluates the early functional and clinical outcomes following arthroscopic ACL reconstruction with concurrent meniscal repair. Aim: To assess the functional outcomes, knee stability, patient satisfaction, and return-to-activity rates following arthroscopic ACL reconstruction combined with meniscal repair. Materials and Methods: This hospital-based, prospective observational study included 40 patients undergoing arthroscopic ACL reconstruction with concomitant meniscal repair. Preoperative and postoperative assessments included Lachman and pivot-shift tests, WOMAC, Lysholm, Tegner, and IKDC scores recorded preoperatively, and at 3 months, and at 6 months. Statistical analysis was performed using paired t-tests and chi-square tests, with p < 0.05 considered significant. Results: Patients demonstrated significant improvement across all stability and functional parameters. Lachman and pivot-shift grades normalized in more than 85?90% of patients by 6 months (p < 0.001). Mean WOMAC scores improved from 55.30 ± 8.41 preoperatively to 12.88 ± 4.92 at 6 months (p < 0.001). Lysholm scores increased from 54.88 ± 6.39 to 93.13 ± 5.00, while IKDC scores improved from 48.23 ± 6.56 to 88.73 ± 5.36 (p < 0.001). Tegner activity levels rose from 2.98 ± 0.77 to 7.25 ± 1.03, reflecting substantial return to sports and physical activity. Patient satisfaction was high, with all patients satisfied at 3 months and 37.5% reporting complete satisfaction at 6 months. At final follow-up, 95% of patients had resumed pre-injury activity levels. Conclusion: Arthroscopic ACL reconstruction with concurrent meniscal repair provides excellent early clinical and functional outcomes. Significant improvements in stability, pain, activity level, and patient satisfaction were observed within 6 months. Meniscal preservation enhances knee biomechanics and facilitates rapid return to activity, making it a preferred approach in young, active individuals with repairable meniscal tears.

Keywords: ACL reconstruction, meniscal repair, arthroscopy, knee stability, functional outcomes, Tegner score, IKDC, Lysholm score

How to Cite?: Dr. Devarsh Goyal, Dr. Vicky Kumar, Dr. Tej Pratap Khuteta, Dr. Harshit Kumar, Dr. R. P. Assat, "A Prospective Observational Study for the Assessment of Functional Outcome in Patients Undergoing Arthroscopic Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction with Concurrent Meniscus Repair Surgery", Volume 15 Issue 1, January 2026, International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR), Pages: 242-248, https://www.ijsr.net/getabstract.php?paperid=SR26104173624, DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.21275/SR26104173624