Study: surgery better than rehabilitation for ligament injury

New NIHR-funded research shows initial surgery is more successful and cost effective than undergoing treatment with rehabilitation first, when treating longstanding anterior cruciate ligament injuries.

Results from the ACL SNNAP trial reveal going straight to reconstructive surgery has a better outcome than a programme with rehabilitation first for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury over 18 months.

The multi-centre study, led by researchers at the University of Oxford, is published in The Lancet journal. The findings have significant implications for the long-term outcomes for patients as well as reducing costs for healthcare providers. More than 40 participants were recruited in hospitals in Berkshire and Oxfordshire.

Read more about the results on the NIHR website.