Risk Factors for Venous Thromboembolism (VTE) Following Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) Reconstruction: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Abstract

Background: Thromboembolism (VTE) is an uncommon, but potentially serious complication in patients who undergo anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction.

Patients and methods: PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane databases were searched for relevant studies published until July 16, 2023. Eligible studies were those investigating patients who were undergoing ACL reconstruction, with the primary focus on factors associated with VTE including age, sex, body mass index (BMI), hypertension, smoking, type of surgical setting (outpatient vs. inpatient), and tourniquet time.

Results: Six studies consisted of a total of 47,886 patients underwent ACL reconstruction were included. The VTE rate ranged between 0.4% and 11.0%, and the mean patient age ranged from 26.8 to 33.25 years. The meta-analysis revealed no significant association between VTE risk and sex (pooled adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 1.28, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.88-1.85). Furthermore, the meta-analysis showed a significantly higher risk of VTE in smokers compared to non-smokers, favoring non-smokers (pooled aOR = 1.71, 95% CI: 1.16-2.54). The systematic review identified several other potential factors, including older age, BMI, hypertension, smoking, surgical setting, and tourniquet time, which were documented in at least 2 included studies. However, while some of these factors showed reported significance, the number of studies was insufficient to generate a pooled result.

Discussion: According to our meta-analysis, sex does not appear to be a significant risk factor for VTE in patients undergoing ACL reconstruction. However, more evidence is needed to determine whether factors such as older age, BMI, hypertension, outpatient vs. inpatient surgery, and tourniquet time are associated with increased VTE risk. Caution is still advised when managing patients with these risk factors in the context of ACL reconstruction. A future meta-analysis is warranted once a sufficient number of studies are available to draw more definitive conclusions.

Level of evidence: IV.