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Tobacco use linked with more complications after ACL reconstruction
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Researchers of this database study discovered significantly higher rates of infection, venous thromboembolism and subsequent reconstruction within 90 days following arthroscopic-assisted anterior ACL reconstruction among patients who used tobacco compared with non-tobacco users.
Researchers used the Current Procedural Terminology code 29888 from the PearlDiver Patient Records Database to identify 13,358 patients who underwent arthroscopic-assisted ACL reconstruction. The patients were categorized by tobacco use (1,659 patients who used tobacco and 11,699 patients who did not). Investigators reviewed complications within 90 days postoperatively, and specifically looked for rates of infection, venous thromboembolism (VTE), stiffness and reoperation.
Results showed a 2% infection rate in patients who used tobacco compared with a 0.9% rate for those who did not use tobacco. Investigators noted the VTE rate was 1% in tobacco use group vs. 0.5% in the non-tobacco use group. The rate of subsequent ACL reconstructions was 12.6% in the tobacco use group vs. 7.8% in the non-tobacco use group. The rate of postoperative stiffness after the initial ACL reconstruction was not significantly different between the groups, according to researchers.‒ by Monica Jaramillo
Disclosures: Cancienne reports no relevant financial disclosures. Please see the full study for a list of all other authors’ relevant financial disclosures.
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