Aspiration of the Knee Prior to Anterior Cruciate Ligament… : JAAOS – Journal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons
n have not been fully investigated. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of routine preoperative aspiration on (1) the development of arthrofibrosis and (2) overall revision surgery rate following ACL reconstruction (ACLr). Methods: The population of interest for this study was individuals with an isolated (ie, without notable concurrent ligamentous or chondral injury) ACL rupture indicated for ACLr, with or without concurrent meniscal pathology. Patients were randomized to either routine preoperative care or in-office aspiration of their traumatic effusion upon initial presentation. Patients underwent routine diagnostic arthroscopy at the time of ACLr to evaluate for concurrent chondral or meniscal pathology. Patients underwent standard postoperative rehabilitation and follow-up care. Results: Eighty-seven patients were enrolled in this study, with 46 patients (53%) undergoing preoperative aspiration. At a mean follow-up of 2.54 ± 1.34 years, 14 of 87 patients (16%) u
