Stimulant Usage in Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Is Associated With Decreased Rates of Arthrofibrosis and Postoperative Complications Following Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction

Jared Sasaki; Sirus Mrazik; Catherine Hand; Kevin Cutler; Victor Koltenyuk; Samuel I. Fuller; Alexander Macfarlane

doi:10.5435/jaaos-d-25-01520

March 31, 2026Journal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons

Stimulant Usage in Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Is Associated With Decreased Rates of Arthrofibrosis and Postoperative Complications Following Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction

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Key Points

To determine the association between stimulant usage in ADHD patients and postoperative outcomes following ACL reconstruction.
Compared outcomes between ADHD patients taking stimulants and those not taking them after ACL reconstruction
Assessed rates of emergency department visits, hospital readmission, and development of arthrofibrosis
Utilized statistical analysis to evaluate risk differences between the two groups
Patients with ADHD not on stimulants had higher rates of returning to the emergency department
Increased hospital readmission was observed in non-stimulant users
Arthrofibrosis occurred more frequently among patients not taking stimulant medications.

Implication

Finds that stimulant medications reduce postoperative complications in ADHD patients after ACL surgery, suggesting important treatment adjustments.

Abstract

This study found that patients with ADHD not taking stimulant medications are at an increased risk of returning to the ED, being readmitted to the hospital, and developing arthrofibrosis compared with those patients taking stimulants following ACL reconstruction. The results display the importance of identifying modifiable risk factors for ACL reconstruction surgery so that physicians can adequately adjust treatment regimens to each patient.

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Cite This Study

Sasaki et al. (2026) studied this question.

synapsesocial.com/papers/69cf5e115a333a821460c25f https://doi.org/10.5435/jaaos-d-25-01520

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Stimulant Usage in Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Is Associated With Decreased Rates of Arthrofibrosis and Postoperative Complications Following Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction

Key Points

Implication

Abstract

Discussion

Cite This Study

Stimulant Usage in Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Is Associated With Decreased Rates of Arthrofibrosis and Postoperative Complications Following Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction

Key Points

Implication

Abstract

Discussion

Cite This Study

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