Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) rupture is a common sports injury, and its reconstruction is a frequent treatment. However, this surgery can lead to complications such as arthrofibrosis, a condition characterized by loss of joint mobility due to an overgrowth of fibrous tissue. The incidence of arthrofibrosis after ACL reconstruction varies between 4% and 38%.

This study examines how genetic and patient factors influence the development of postoperative arthrofibrosis. A prospective study was performed with 89 patients undergoing ACL reconstruction, evaluating variables such as sex, body mass index, use of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and genetic polymorphisms related to inflammatory processes and fibrosis.

The results showed that the use of PRP significantly reduces the risk of arthrofibrosis, and that female sex is associated with a higher risk. In addition, genetic variants were identified in genes related to inflammation and tissue remodeling that influence the development of this complication. A predictive model combining these factors was developed with high accuracy to anticipate the onset of arthrofibrosis.

This breakthrough could facilitate the early identification of patients at high risk, allowing the implementation of prevention strategies and improving post-surgical outcomes.

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