Published in:
01-12-2017 | Arthroscopy and Sports Medicine
Capsulotomy as a measure to control pain and reducing hemarthrosis in arthroscopic DB ACL reconstruction surgery: a prospective randomized control study
Published in: Archives of Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery | Issue 12/2017
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Purpose
The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of capsulotomy as a measure of pain relief and hemarthrosis prevention in the arthroscopic double-bundle anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction.
Methods
This was a case control study conducted between April 2013 and Dec 2013, in which 64 patients were enrolled. Capsulotomy was done at the end of the procedure in 31 patients, who were compared with a control group. Pain score (VAS) and grade of hemarthrosis on post-op day 1 and post-op day 2 were compared between the two groups and patients followed up to a minimum of 24 months.
Results
There was a statistically significant difference (p value < 0.05) in the pain scores and hemarthrosis grade of the capsulotomy group compared to the control group. The mean pain score on post-op day 1 in the capsulotomy group was 2.71 ± 0.97, whereas it was 4 ± 1.22 in the non-capsulotomy group. The difference between the two groups was statistically significant both at day 1 of post-op and day 2 of post-op (p value < 0.05). The difference between the two groups in terms of hemarthrosis grading was statistically significant both at day 1 of post-op and day 2 of post-op (p value < 0.05). The difference between the two groups in terms of thigh circumference measurements was statistically significant both on day 1 and day 2 of post-op (p value < 0.05).
Conclusion
We conclude that capsulotomy is a safe and effective measure of pain relief and hemarthrosis management in arthroscopic ACL reconstruction surgeries.