Editorial Commentary: "Defer No Time, Delays Have Dangerous Ends" (Henry VI, Shakespeare): Delayed Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction Has Consequences.

Abstract

There continues to be controversy over the timing of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) surgery. Early or delayed intervention after ACL injury is a topic that has not been settled. The issue is whether ACL tears should have surgery performed in an expedient manner. Or is delay an option with no repercussions to the health of the knee? My associates in nonsurgical specialties wave the New England Journal of Medicine to support their view that surgery is not needed. I routinely espouse the literature confirming that delay of surgery may cause future damage. It is now established that a failure to intervene in a timely manner does cause additional damage. I stand vindicated and can affirm to my colleagues that I have found the answer. There is no longer any doubt or equivocation. Delay in reconstructing an unstable knee does cause damage.