Functional Outcomes of Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction Using Titanium Adjustable Loop Button and Poly-L-co-DL-Lactic Acid-Beta Tricalcium Phosphate (PLDLA-bTCP) Interference Screws: A Single-Center, Retrospective, Observational Study.

Abstract

Background The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction is a standard surgery in patients with instability of the knee caused by ACL insufficiency. Several differential procedures using grafts and implants such as loops, buttons, and screws have been described. This study aimed to assess the functional outcomes of ACL reconstruction surgery using titanium adjustable loop buttons and poly-L-co-DL-lactic acid-beta tricalcium phosphate (PLDLA-bTCP) interference screws. Methodology This was a retrospective, observational, single-center, and clinical study. A total of 42 patients who underwent ACL reconstruction at a tertiary trauma center in northern India between 2018 and 2022 were recruited. Data including demographics, details of the injury, surgery, implants, and surgical outcomes were collected from the patients' medical records. Further, post-surgery details such as re-injury, adverse events, International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC)profiles, and Lysholm knee score were recorded from the enrolled patients through a telephonic follow-up. Pain score and Tegner activity scale were used to compare the knee status before and after surgery. Results At the time of surgery, the mean age of the recruited patients was 31.1 ± 8.8 years, with a male preponderance of 93%. About 57% of patients had left knee injuries. The common symptoms were instability (67%), pain (62%), swelling (14%), and giving away (5%). During surgery, titanium adjustable loop button and PLDLA-bTCPinterference screw implants were used in all patients. The mean follow-up time was 21.2 ± 14.2 months. Based on patient responses, the mean IKDC and Lysholm scores were found to be 54.02 ± 5.93 and 94.4 ± 4.73, respectively. Further, the proportion of patients reporting pain decreased from 62% before surgery to 21% after surgery. The mean Tegner score revealed a significant increase in the activity levels of the patients post-surgery compared to pre-surgery (p < 0.05). Lastly, no adverse events or re-injuries were reported in any of the patients during follow-up. Conclusions Our findings revealed a significant improvement in Tegner activity levels and pain scores after surgery. In addition, patient-reported IKDC and Lysholm scores fell under the category of good knee status and function, suggesting a satisfactory functional outcome of ACL reconstruction. Hence, titanium adjustable loop and PLDLA-bTCP interference screws may be a good choice of implants for successful ACL reconstruction surgery.