AWARENESS AND KNOWLEDGE OF ANTERIOR CRUCIATE LIGAMENT INJURY AMONG GENERAL POPULATION IN THE NORTHERN REGION, SAUDI ARABIA

resumen

Dr. Majed G Alrowaili*, Dr. Bader Majed Aljadaan, Abdulaziz Mohammed Almalki, Omar Mosab Alenazi, Sultan Shayish Alanazi, Rakan Awad Alenzi, Sultan Mohammed Alanazi, Mohammed Abdullah Alanazi, Prof. Manal S. Fawzy

Background: Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries are common yet often under-recognized in the general population, leading to inadequate preventive measures and treatment. This study evaluates awareness and knowledge of ACL injuries among residents in the Northern Region of Saudi Arabia.

Materials and methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted with 417 participants, utilizing a validated questionnaire to assess demographic characteristics, knowledge of ACL injury severity, risk factors, symptoms, treatment perceptions, and personal experiences with ACL injuries.

Results: The mean age of participants was 25.4 ± 7.5 years, with a predominance of males (79.6%). While 64.3% recognized ACL injuries as serious, 80.8% exhibited poor overall knowledge regarding the condition. Concerning the participants' perceptions of factors contributing to ACL injuries, unsuitable floor or shoes (45.6%), body collision (38.6%), over-exercising (36.9%), and the combined causes (46%) were identified. Only 3.8% reported prior ACL injuries; among them, 68.8% experienced severe intermittent pain, and 54.9% favored surgery as the best treatment option. The post-surgery satisfaction rate was 55.6%.

Conclusions: The study highlights significant gaps in awareness and knowledge of ACL injuries in the Northern Region of Saudi Arabia. Targeted educational interventions are crucial to enhance public understanding, promote preventive strategies, and improve health literacy concerning ACL injury management.