Boomers Bounce Back After ACL Surgery

Baby boomers who get ACL reconstruction surgery have a good shot at resuming their pre-injury activity level, a new study shows.

The study included 35 people aged 50 and older (average age 57) who got surgery from 1990 to 2002 to repair their anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), which helps stabilize the knee.

About half of the patients suffered their ACL injury while playing sports. For most, the injuries weren't immediately disabling; the patients got their ACL surgery an average of two years after their initial injury.

The patients were followed for an average of four years. During that time, 83% returned to sports and their ACL returned to normal or near-normal function.

The researchers, who included orthopaedic surgeon Corey Wulf, MD, of Rochester, Minn., reported their findings today in San Francisco at the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons' annual meeting.

By Miranda Hitti
Reviewed by Louise Chang
©2005-2006 WebMD, Inc. All rights reserved