Functional outcome of multiligamentous knee injuries treated arthroscopically in active duty soldiers

Purpose: To evaluate variables unique to our military population to determine whether we can be better predict functional outcome and return to duty of active duty military soldiers with multiligament knee disruption following arthroscopically assisted reconstruction. Materials and Methods: Twenty-four active duty Army personnel who underwent arthroscopically assisted reconstruction of multiple ligament disruption by the same surgeon were enrolled in this study. Postoperatively, a standardized knee joint questionnaire was administered and current vocational and recreational status was evaluated. Demographic data as well as military-specific factors to include rank, military occupation specialty, associated injuries, and retention on active duty were reviewed for these patients to determine their correlation with outcome. Results: Overall. 13 (54%) remained on active duty following surgical reconstruction of their knee. There was a positive correlation between military rank and return to military duty. We were unable to correlate physical job demand to postinjury duty status. The Cincinnati Knee Ligament Rating Scale indicated that most soldiers were able to perform sports at "half speed," with "some limits" in daily living function scores. Conclusion: Arthroscopically assisted multiligament knee reconstruction enabled only a slight majority of active duty soldiers to return to duty following reconstruction and rehabilitation of this devastating injury.