Abstract
Introduction
Soft tissue knee injuries are a common presentation among the young and adult population, thus, we have performed this audit to investigate the impact of introducing a new acute knee clinic in the West of Scotland with regards to delay in treatment of such injuries and potential clinical outcomes.
Methods
We have collected data from over 100 random patients with anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries pre and post- the introduction of acute knee clinic in the West of Scotland and calculated the median time taken for them to see a knee specialist following their initial injury. The data was collected using a standardised proforma and analysed using Microsoft Excel. All patients included were 18-years-old and above.
Results
The introduction of an acute knee clinic has led to over 65% reduction in waiting time to see a knee specialist following a knee injury. In addition, soft tissue co-injuries such as meniscal tears were more likely to occur in patients who waited longer to be treated and thus the introduction of the knee clinic had also led to a reduction in waiting time for a definitive treatment (i.e. surgery) of patients and subsequent reduction in associated co-injuries.
Conclusion
Acute knee clinics are effective in reducing patient waiting time to be seen by a knee specialist following an ACL tear. This is particularly important as the earlier intervention is more likely to prevent subsequent meniscal and chondral injuries which in turn can provide patients with better clinical outcomes and quality of life.