Anterior cruciate ligament injuries in Jordan: insights into clinical presentation, patient profiles, and postoperative outcomes.

BACKGROUND

Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries are common among physically active individuals, yet regional data from the Middle East remain limited. This study aimed to evaluate the clinical characteristics, surgical management, and early outcomes of ACL reconstruction in Jordan.

METHODS

We conducted a cross-sectional study of 350 patients who underwent ACL reconstruction at multiple tertiary centers in Jordan. Data on demographics, injury mechanisms, clinical findings, surgical techniques, and postoperative outcomes were collected and analyzed using descriptive statistics.

RESULTS

Among 350 patients (median age 25; 91.4% male), injuries were due to sports (53.7%) or twisting (46.3%). Instability (87.4%), pain (83.4%), and effusion (76.5%) were common. Medial meniscus injuries occurred in 50.6%, lateral meniscus in 27.4%, and MCL in 8.9%. Hamstring grafts were used in 84.0% of cases. Return to sport was achieved in 82.6%. Complications included infection (1.7%), persistent pain (6.2%), instability (6.0%), and revision (0.6%). Most patients regained full extension and flexion (median 130°), with low follow-up pain and disability scores.

CONCLUSION

This study highlights the clinical patterns and favorable outcomes of ACL reconstruction in a Jordanian population. The findings align with global benchmarks and emphasize the need for broader regional data to inform best practices in the Middle East.