ACL surgery helps baby boomers defy aging
Published: March 5, 2008 at 2:03 PM
SAN FRANCISCO, March 5 (UPI) -- A U.S. study found baby boomers who have knee surgery to repair the anterior cruciate ligament are as likely to return to pre-injury levels as younger people.
"Today's active baby boomers -- those born between 1946 and 1964 -- are pushing the envelope for when people are considered to be too old for ACL surgery," study researcher Dr. Diane Dahm of the Mayo Clinic said in a statement. "Older patients today want to continue to run, play basketball and be active late into life, so they need a level of knee stability that will support an active lifestyle."
The study found of the 34 patients ages 50 to 66 followed for an average of 48 months from 1990 to 2002 following ACL surgery at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn., found 83 percent were rated as normal or near-normal and 83 percent returned to playing sports.
When considering candidates for ACL surgery, people's fitness levels and their desire to return to an active lifestyle should be taken into account rather than looking at age, the study said.
The study was presented at the annual meeting of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons in San Francisco.
"Today's active baby boomers -- those born between 1946 and 1964 -- are pushing the envelope for when people are considered to be too old for ACL surgery," study researcher Dr. Diane Dahm of the Mayo Clinic said in a statement. "Older patients today want to continue to run, play basketball and be active late into life, so they need a level of knee stability that will support an active lifestyle."
The study found of the 34 patients ages 50 to 66 followed for an average of 48 months from 1990 to 2002 following ACL surgery at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn., found 83 percent were rated as normal or near-normal and 83 percent returned to playing sports.
When considering candidates for ACL surgery, people's fitness levels and their desire to return to an active lifestyle should be taken into account rather than looking at age, the study said.
The study was presented at the annual meeting of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons in San Francisco.
© 2008 United Press International. All Rights Reserved.
This material may not be reproduced, redistributed, or manipulated in any form.
This material may not be reproduced, redistributed, or manipulated in any form.
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