Posterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction Improves Sexual Health Postoperatively.

PURPOSE

To investigate changes in sexual function and quality of life following arthroscopic posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) reconstruction.

METHODS

Patients aged between 18 and 45 years who underwent PCL reconstruction were considered for inclusion. At the time of hospital admission, each patient was asked to complete the New Sexual Satisfaction Scale-Short Form, before injury (preinjury) and at the time of hospital admission (preoperative). In addition, patients were followed for a minimum of 24 months (final follow-up). Quality of life was measured using the Anterior Cruciate Ligament Quality of Life Questionnaire at hospital admission (preoperative) and at the 24-month follow-up visit (final follow-up).

RESULTS

A total of 35 patients were included in the study; 24 (68.6%) were male, and 11 were female (31.4%). The mean age at the time of surgery was 29.23 7.52 years, and the mean follow-up duration was 52.97 22.69 months. In all patients, the hamstring tendon was used. Sexual activity at the last follow-up visit was significantly different from that preoperatively ( = .024), while no difference was observed between the preinjury and last follow-up values ( = . 243). Sexual activity was more frequent before injury than preoperatively ( = . 009). Quality of life at the last follow-up visit was significantly better than that preoperatively ( < .001).

CONCLUSIONS

Reconstructive surgery after PCL injury improves the sexual health of patients regardless of age or sex.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III, retrospective cohort study.