Anterior Knee Pain After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction

Anterior knee pain is a frequent condition after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR), but its origin remains uncertain. Studies have suggested that donor site morbidity in autologous bone-patellar tendon-bone reconstructions may contribute to patellofemoral pain, but this does not explain why hamstring tendon reconstructions may also present with anterior pain.

To evaluate the prevalence of anterior knee pain after ACLR and its predisposing factors.

Case-control study; Level of evidence, 3.

We evaluated the records of all patients who underwent ACLR between 2000 and 2016 at a private facility. The prevalence of anterior knee pain after surgery was assessed, and possible risk factors (graft type, patient sex, surgical technique, range of motion) were evaluated.

The records of 438 patients (mean age, 30 years) who underwent ACLR were analyzed. Anterior knee pain was found in 6.2% of the patients. We found an increased prevalence of anterior knee pain with patellar tendon graft, with an odds ratio of 3.4 (P = .011). Patients who experienced extension deficit in the postoperative period had an odds ratio of 5.3 of having anterior pain (P < .001). Anterior knee pain was not correlated with patient sex or surgical technique.

The chance of having anterior knee pain after ACLR was higher when patellar tendon autograft was used compared with hamstring tendon graft, as well as in patients who experienced extension deficit in the postoperative period.