Early ACL reconstructions do not result in loss of motion or suboptimal clinical results .
Postoperative Range of Motion Following Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction Using Autograft Hamstrings: A Prospective, Randomized Clinical Trial of Early Versus Delayed Reconstructions
Am J Sports Med. 2008 Apr;36(4):656-62. Epub 2008 Jan 22.69 patients (>18 years of age) with an ACL injury (clinically and MRI confirmed) scheduled for an ACL reconstruction using hamstring tendon autograft were randomized to the timing of surgery either early (within 21 days) or delayed (beyond 6 weeks of the injury). This study aimed to compare incidence of postoperative motion loss and clinical results. Excellent clinical results were seen with ACL reconstructions regardless of whether surgery was performed soon after injury, or after a delayed period, using hamstring tendon autograft. Early ACL reconstructions did not result in loss of motion or suboptimal clinical results, as long as there was a robust rehabilitation protocol, focusing on extension and early range of motion.
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