Primary Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction by Dacron Prosthesis Augmented with Iliotibial Band or Fascia Lata: A 14-year Subjective Outcome Study

Abstract

Purpose. A retrospective cohort study was conducted to evaluate the subjective long-term results of Dacron prosthetic ligaments in the management of primary anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. Methods. Sixty-four patients who underwent primary anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction with a Dacron prosthesis were followed for a mean of 10.9 years. Ligaments were reconstructed with a Dacron prosthesis augmented with either the iliotibial band or the fascia lata, using a modified Macintosh over-the-top technique. The subjective outcomes were evaluated by the Lysholm knee scoring scale, the Tegner activity scale and patient's satisfaction based on visual analog scale assessment. Results. Dacron prostheses were removed within a mean interval of 4.5 years in 12 patients (19%). The mean overall Lysholm knee score was 81.4 and the mean Tegner activity rating scale was 5.3. More than 40% of patients had fair to poor outcomes and more than 45% reported being dissatisfied with the prosthesis at the most recent follow-up. Conclusion. Prosthetic ligaments are still far from being perfect. Reconstruction with autologons graft remains the standard procedure for anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction.