Range of motion and complications following primary repair versus reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament

Repair had more ROM than reconstruction patients at one week (89° ± 18 vs. 61° ± 21, p < 0.01) and one month (125° ± 14 vs. 116° ± 18, p < 0.01) postoperatively. Fewer repair patients had 90° ROM at one week (23% vs. 84%, p < 0.01), and more repair patients had full ROM at one month (57% vs. 30%, p < 0.01). Treatment of meniscal lesions, but not chondral lesions, influenced ROM. Trends towards fewer complications (2% vs. 9%, p = 0.19) and infections (0% vs. 6%, p = 0.20) were noted following primary repair, and the procedure was significantly shorter. Conclusions: Following primary repair, patients had better ROM, and trends towards fewer complications than reconstruction. Primary repair is a safe, brief procedure with early ROM and low complication rates.