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AI Summary of Peer-Reviewed Research

This page presents an AI-generated summary of a published research paper. The original authors did not write or review this article. [See full disclosure ↓]

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Delayed PCLR linked to more cartilage and meniscal injuries

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in
Research area:MedicineKnee injuries and reconstruction techniquesConcomitant

What the study found

The study found that delayed posterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (PCLR, surgery to repair the posterior cruciate ligament) was associated with more cartilage and meniscal injuries, especially when surgery was performed more than 24 months after injury. Older age and higher body mass index were also associated with a higher prevalence of these injuries.

Why the authors say this matters

The authors conclude that timing of PCLR, along with older age and higher body mass index, are important factors related to concomitant cartilage and meniscal injuries after grade III PCL injuries. The findings indicate that these factors may help identify patients with a higher risk of associated knee damage.

What the researchers tested

The researchers retrospectively reviewed 1,003 patients who underwent primary isolated PCLR between August 2016 and July 2024. They confirmed cartilage and meniscal injuries during arthroscopy, graded cartilage injuries using the International Cartilage Repair Society classification, and used multivariable logistic regression to look for independent risk factors.

What worked and what didn't

Longer time from injury to surgery, particularly beyond 24 months, was significantly associated with higher risk of patellofemoral, lateral compartment, and medial compartment cartilage injury, as well as medial meniscal injury, compared with surgery within 3 months. Older age significantly increased the prevalence of all cartilage and meniscal injuries, and higher body mass index was independently associated with patellofemoral cartilage injury. The study also reported that patients with surgery delayed more than 24 months had higher preoperative visual analog scale pain scores.

What to keep in mind

This was a retrospective cohort study, so it shows associations rather than proving cause and effect. The abstract does not describe other limitations beyond the available scope, and the results come from patients who underwent primary isolated PCLR.

Key points

  • Delay of more than 24 months from injury to PCLR was linked to higher rates of several cartilage and meniscal injuries.
  • Older age was associated with a higher prevalence of all cartilage and meniscal injuries.
  • Higher body mass index was independently associated with patellofemoral cartilage injury.
  • The study reviewed 1,003 patients who had primary isolated PCLR.
  • Reported concomitant injury rates included 43.87% patellofemoral cartilage injury and 10.47% medial meniscus injury.

Disclosure

Research title:
Delayed PCLR linked to more cartilage and meniscal injuries
Authors:
Wenbin Bai, Cheng Wang, Moran Zhu, H Q Ji, Ye Zhang, Yuanhang Zhao, Yì Wáng, H B Wang, Xi Gong, Yì Wáng, Weili Shi
Institutions:
Peking University, Peking University, Peking University, Peking University, Peking University, Peking University, Peking University, Peking University, Peking University, Peking University, Peking University Third Hospital, Peking University Third Hospital, Peking University Third Hospital, Peking University Third Hospital, Peking University Third Hospital, Peking University Third Hospital, Peking University Third Hospital, Peking University Third Hospital, Peking University Third Hospital, Peking University Third Hospital
Publication date:
2026-04-23
DOI:
10.1002/arj.70147
OpenAlex record:
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