[Surgery for anterior cruciate ligament injuries in Norway]

Abstract

Background: There is limited knowledge about the incidence and type of anterior cruciate ligament surgery in Norway.

Material and methods: We sent a questionnaire to all surgical and orthopaedic departments in Norwegian hospitals and clinics (n = 83) on the status quo for anterior cruciate ligament surgery in 2002. All replied.

Results: 1876 anterior cruciate ligament operations were carried out in 2002 by 50 hospitals and clinics. More than half of the hospitals carried out 20 or more operations. Patellar tendon autograft or hamstring autograft were used in 1805 of the operations. Only four hospitals did all procedures as outpatient surgery; 11 hospitals still use continuous passive motion on patients after anterior cruciate ligament surgery. Large variations were found in time to return to full physical activity.

Interpretation: There are large variations between Norwegian hospitals in the practice of anterior cruciate ligament surgery.