Improved sexual activity and quality of life after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction

Sexual activity profoundly influences one's overall quality of life. Sexual dysfunction can significantly adversely affect an individual's life. The aim of this investigation was to examine the impact of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction on sexual function and quality of life.

Upon hospital (IRCCS Ospedale Galeazzi-Sant'Ambrogio, Milan, Italy) admission, each patient was asked to complete the New Sexual Satisfaction Scale-Short Form (NSSS-S) to evaluate their sexual behavior prior to the injury (preinjury) and at the time of admission (preoperative). Furthermore, patients were recontacted after a minimum follow-up period of 24 months (final follow-up). Quality of life was evaluated at hospital admission (preoperative) and at a minimum 24-month follow-up (final follow-up) using the Anterior Cruciate Ligament Quality of Life Questionnaire (ACL-QoL).

The study had 303 patients, including 233 males (76.9%) and 70 females (23.1%). The average age at surgery was 31.6±11.0 years, and the average follow-up duration was 63.3±20.1 months. A hamstring tendon autograft was used for 289 (95.4%) patients and a patellar tendon autograft was used for 14 (4.6%) of patients. At the final follow-up, sexual activity exhibited a significant difference compared to preoperative levels (P<0.001), although no difference was observed between preinjury and final follow-up values (P>0.99). Preinjury sexual activity exceeded preoperative activity (P<0.001). The quality of life at the last follow-up was significantly greater than the preoperative quality of life (P<0.001).

ACL injury adversely affects sexual function scores alongside quality of life, while reconstructive surgery enhances these scores irrespective of age or sex.