Anterior Cruciate Ligament Graft Rupture Research Articles

Arthroscopic Physeal Sparing Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction and Lateral Extra-articular Tenodesis With Semitendinosus and Gracilis Tendons

Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries among young patients have increased in recent years. The purpose of this study was to present a physeal-sparing intra- and extra-articular reconstruction using semitendinosus and gracilis tendons autograft. In recent years, the management of these injuries in the pediatric population has become increasingly surgical to restore knee function and reduce the risk of meniscal and chondral injury due to persistent knee instability. However, this is a population at high risk for ACL graft rupture, but it can be lowered by an addition of lateral extra-articular tenodesis (LET). This study shows the pearls and pitfalls of an arthroscopic physeal-sparing ACL reconstruction combined with a concomitant LET using hamstrings autograft.

Influence of Posterior Tibial Slope on the Risk of Recurrence After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction

Background. Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) graft rupture has multifactorial causes, with traumatic factors being the most prevalent. Modern literature presents conflicting data regarding the influence of the posterior tibial slope on the risk of traumatic ACL graft rupture.
 Aim of the study to determine if there is a correlation between the posterior tibial slope and ACL graft injury in patients who have previously undergone ACL reconstruction.
 Methods. This was a single-center cohort retrospective study that included patients diagnosed with a complete ACL rupture and who had undergone ACL reconstruction using standard techniques without graft rupture at the last follow-up. Inclusion criteria for the first group included a diagnosis of traumatic ACL rupture followed by reconstruction, a graft composed of semitendinosus and gracilis tendons (St+Gr), femoral fixation with a cortical button, tibial fixation with a sleeve and screw, and the absence of graft rupture at the time of the study. This group included 30 consecutive patients (15 males and 15 females) with a mean age of 36.3 years (min 17, max 59). Inclusion criteria for the second group included an indirect traumatic mechanism of ACL graft rupture and subsequent revision ACL reconstruction. This group consisted of 33 patients (23 males and 10 females) with a mean age of 33.0 years (min 19, max 60). The lateral (LPTS) and medial (MPTS) posterior tibial slopes were measured on lateral knee radiographs.
 Results. The median time from surgery to the last follow-up in the first group was 65 months (IQR 60; 66), while in the second group, it was 48 months (IQR 9; 84). The median MPTS in the first group was 7.8 (IQR 5.3; 9.4), while in the second group, it was 8.5 (IQR 7.5; 11). The median LPTS in the first group was 9.9 (IQR 8.4; 12.1), whereas in the second group, it was 12.0 (IQR 9; 15.4). There was no statistically significant difference in MPTS and LPTS based on gender in both groups and the entire sample (p0.05). When comparing LPTS values between both groups, a statistically significant difference (p = 0.04) was found, with higher LPTS values in patients in the second group (with ACL graft injury).
 Conclusion. Increased posterior tibial slope, particularly LPTS, is identified as a potential predictor of ACL graft rupture. The study demonstrates the impact of LPTS on the risk of ACL graft rupture (p0.05) in cases of indirect traumatic injury.

Nonoperative Treatment for Traumatic Partial Graft Rupture After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: A 2-Year Follow-up Study.

There are no studies on the nonoperative treatment of traumatic partial anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) graft rupture. The purpose of this study was to compare the clinical and radiological outcomes and failure rates between nonoperative treatment and revision ACL reconstruction for traumatic partial ACL graft rupture. We hypothesized that the outcomes and failure rates would be comparable and that nonoperative treatment of traumatic partial ACL graft rupture can produce satisfactory outcomes. Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. We retrospectively evaluated 2114 patients treated for isolated ACL rupture between January 2000 and June 2020. Patients with traumatic partial graft rupture after ACL reconstruction with minimum 2-year follow-up data were included. Patients who met all the following conditions were candidates for nonoperative treatment: (1) Lachman or pivot-shift grade 0 or 1 at 6 months after ACL reconstruction, (2) ACL graft with low to intermediate signal intensity on 1-year postoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and (3) MRI after reinjury showing definite evidence of trauma, some fibers remaining in continuity of the ACL graft, and no anterior tibial subluxation in the sagittal plane. The patients were divided into 2 groups according to treatment method: nonoperative treatment (group A) and revision ACL reconstruction (group B). Clinical scores, laxity test results, radiological outcomes, and graft failures were compared between the groups. In total, 47 patients had traumatic partial graft rupture (group A, n = 10; group B, n = 37). There were no significant differences between the 2 groups in terms of clinical scores, laxity tests, radiological outcomes, or graft failure. The clinical and radiological outcomes of nonoperative treatment of traumatic partial graft rupture after ACL reconstruction were comparable with those of revision ACL reconstruction. Nonoperative treatment of traumatic partial ACL graft rupture can produce satisfactory outcomes in selected patients.

Poster 314: Hamstring Autograft Diameter Effect on Surgical Outcome in a Prospective ACL Reconstruction Patient Cohort

Objectives: The purpose was to investigate the effect of hamstring autograft diameter on risk of graft failure and subsequent either knee surgery following ACLR in a prospective cohort. Background: Optimization of graft selection and incorporation in anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction (ACLR) is an evolving science. Recent studies suggest hamstring tendon autograft diameter may influence outcomes in primary ACLR, with a larger diameter acting as a protective factor against ACL graft rupture. Further evidence using a prospective patient database is valuable in corroborating the association between ACL autograft diameter and patient outcomes. Methods: Prospective data was collected for a cohort of patients undergoing primary ACLR from February 2015 to February 2018. Exclusion criteria included non-hamstring graft selection, allograft augmentation, skeletally immature patients, revision ACLR, prior contralateral ACLR, and multiligament injuries. Cases from 10 fellowship-trained surgeons within a single institution were included. Recorded tunnel size was utilized as a surrogate for autograft diameter. The contribution of age, sex, BMI and operating surgeon on autograft diameter was studied via mixed effect modeling. The effect of hamstring tendon autograft diameter on risk of subsequent surgery was measured using multivariable linear regression modeling that controlled for patient and surgery characteristics including age, sex, BMI, Marx activity score, and graft diameter. Two-year outcomes were collected for incidence of subsequent surgery to either knee, including ipsilateral revision ACLR and contralateral primary ACLR. Results: Of the patients undergoing ACLR with hamstring autograft who met inclusion criteria, there was 90.5% follow up for subsequent surgery outcomes at minimum of 2 years, resulting in 381 patients. Female sex and lower BMI was associated with smaller autograft diameter and operating surgeon had a significant effect on autograft diameter. 59 patients (15.5%) had subsequent ipsilateral surgery and 27 patients (7.09%) had revision ACLR within 2 years. 29 patients (7.61%) had contralateral subsequent knee surgery and 20 patients (5.25%) had primary contralateral ACLR within 2 years. After controlling for age, sex, BMI, and baseline Marx activity score, hamstring autograft diameter was not associated with risk of all ipsilateral subsequent knee surgery (odds ratio (OR) 0.87, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.56 - 1.36, p = 0.536). Baseline Marx score greater than or equal to 12 was associated with risk of all ipsilateral subsequent knee surgery with OR 2.55 (CI 1.41 – 4.59, p = 0.002). After controlling for age, sex and BMI, hamstring autograft diameter was not associated with risk of revision ACLR (OR 0.71, CI 0.38 - 1.33, p = 0.286). Age was associated with risk of ipsilateral revision ACLR with OR 0.16 (CI 0.05 – 0.51, p = 0.002). After controlling for age, sex and BMI, hamstring autograft diameter was not associated with risk of all contralateral subsequent knee surgery (OR 0.89, CI 0.50 - 1.59, p = 0.703) including contralateral ACLR (OR 0.78, CI 0.39 - 1.59, p = 0.501). Age was found to be a significant prognostic variable of contralateral ACLR with OR 0.30 (CI 0.10 – 0.93, p = 0.037). No variables within the model were associated with risk of all contralateral subsequent surgery events. Conclusions: Hamstring autograft diameter greater than 8mm was not associated with risk of revision ACLR or other subsequent surgery in the ipsilateral or contralateral knee in a multivariable logistic regression analysis of a prospective patient cohort. Lower age was associated with risk of ipsilateral revision ACLR and contralateral ACLR. Baseline Marx activity score greater than or equal to 12 was associated with risk of all subsequent ipsilateral knee surgery. [Table: see text][Table: see text][Table: see text][Table: see text]

The use of slice encoding for metal artifact correction (SEMAC) sequencing improves the diagnostic evaluation of graft integrity following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction

ObjectivesTo determine whether magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with metal artifact reduction sequencing is superior to conventional knee MRI in the evaluation of an injured anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) graft, where visualisation on conventional MRI can be limited by the metal artifact from fixation devices. MethodsEighteen patients underwent conventional MRI sequence (proton density fat saturated [PDFS]) and two types of metal artifact reduction sequencing MRI (WARP, slice encoding for metal artifact correction (SEMAC); Siemens) following a secondary injury to their ACL reconstructed knee. Six raters with experience in knee MRI evaluation reviewed sagittal PDFS, WARP, and SEMAC sequences, providing semi-quantitative grades for visualisation and diagnostic confidence assessing the ACL, posterior cruciate ligament , menisci, tibial and femoral tunnel margins, and articular cartilage. Intra-class correlation coefficients for inter-rater reliability were evaluated. The 6-rater mean scores for the visualisation and diagnostic confidence derived from each sequence were compared using the Friedman test for multiple paired samples. ResultsNo statistically significant difference in the ACL visualisation among the sequences was found (p ​= ​0.193). Further, a subgroup analysis was performed in cases evaluated as “moderately blurry” or “indistinct ACL visualisation” on PDFS (58% of cases). SEMAC significantly improved diagnostic confidence in ACL visualisation (p ​= ​0.041) and ACL graft rupture (p ​= ​0.044) compared to PDFS.There was no statistically significant difference in the inter-observer reliability between sequences. The WARP sequence added 2.84 ​± ​0.69 ​min, while SEMAC added 2.95 ​± ​0.40 ​min to the standard knee MRI scan time. Conclusionuse of the SEMAC metal reduction sequence significantly improved diagnostic accuracy and confidence in the detection of ACL graft rupture in cases where the ACL was moderately blurry or indistinct on the PDFS sequence. This sequence should be considered as an adjunct to conventional PDFS in cases where graft visualisation is limited by the metal artifact from fixation devices. Level of evidenceIII.

The Role of Lateral Extra-articular Tenodesis in Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction and Treatment of Rotatory Knee Instability: a Scoping Review.

The addition of lateral extra-articular tenodesis (LET) to anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction (ACLR) has become increasingly popular to address residual rotatory knee instability. The purpose of this article is to review the anatomy and biomechanics of the anterolateral complex (ALC) of the knee, outline different LET techniques, and provide biomechanical and clinical evidence for its use as an augmentation procedure with ACLR. Rotatory knee instability has been identified as a common contributor to ACL rupture in both the primary and revision settings. Several biomechanical studies have shown that LET reduces strain on the ACL by decreasing excess tibial translation and rotation. Additionally, in vivo studies have demonstrated restoration of side-to-side differences in anterior-posterior knee translation, higher rates of return to play, and overall increased patient satisfaction following combined ACLR and LET. As a result, various LET techniques have been developed to help offload the ACL graft and lateral compartment of the knee. However, conclusions are limited by a lack of concrete indications and contraindications for use of LET in the clinical setting. Recent studies have shown that rotatory knee instability contributes to native ACL and ACL graft rupture and LET may provide further stability to reduce rates of failure. Further investigation is needed to establish concrete indications and contraindications to determine which patients would most benefit from added stability of the ALC.

CONTRALATERAL ACL RUPTURE IS MORE COMMON THAN ACL GRAFT RUPTURE IN AUSTRALIAN NETBALLERS AFTER ACL RECONSTRUCTION

The aim of this study was to determine Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) graft and contralateral ACL (CACL) survival in patients who have undergone ACL reconstruction (ACLR) with hamstring autograft following netball injuries, and determine factors associated with repeat ACL injury and return to netball.From a prospectively collected database, a consecutive series of 332 female netballers who underwent primary ACLRs using hamstring autografts were identified. Subjects were surveyed at a minimum of five years following reconstruction, including details of further ACL injuries to either knee, return to netball or other sports and psychological readiness with the ACL-RSI score.264 participants (80%) were reviewed at the mean follow up of 9 years (60-180 months). There were 12 ACL graft ruptures (5%) and 35 contralateral ACL ruptures (13%). ACL graft survival was 97% and 97%, 96% at 2, 5 and 7 years respectively. CACL survival was 99%, 94%, and 90% at 2, 5 and 7 years respectively. The 7-year ACL graft survival was 97% in those 25 or more and 93% in those under 25 years (p=0.126). The 7-year CACL survival was 93% in those 25 or more and 85% in those under 25 years (HR 2.6, 95%CI 1.3-5.0, p=0.007). A family history of ACL injury was reported by 32% of participants. A return to netball was reported by 61% of participants. The mean ACL-RSI score was 65 in those who returned to netball and 37 in those who did not (p=0.001).ACLR with hamstring autografts is a reliable procedure for netballers with a survival rate of 96% at 7 years, allowing 63% of participants to return to netball. A successful return to sport was associated with greater psychological readiness. CACL injury occurred with more than double the frequency of ACL graft rupture and was increased by 2.6x in those <25 years.

Posterior tibial slope (PTS) ≥ 10 degrees is a risk factor for further anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury; BMI is not

PurposeThis case–control study aimed to assess the influence of BMI and PTS on subsequent ACL injury affecting either ACL graft or the native ACL of the contralateral knee after primary ACL reconstruction.MethodsA retrospective case–control study was performed using a cohort of patients who underwent arthroscopic ACL reconstruction between 2010 and 2020 using the same surgical procedure: Hamstring tendon autograft. The study group (group I) included all the patients (n = 94) during this period who sustained a subsequent ACL injury. The control group (group II) consisted of 94 patients randomly selected (matched Group I in terms of sex, age, and ACL graft) who did not sustain any further ACL injury. PTS was measured by two blinded surgeons on lateral knee view radiographs of the operated knee after primary ACL. BMI in kg/m2 was measured during the preoperative anesthesia consultation. Exclusion criteria were: non-true or rotated lateral knee radiographs of the operated knee post-ACLR, associated knee ligament injury requiring surgical management, iterative knee surgeries, open growth plate, and related fracture.ResultsThe mean posterior tibial slope in group I was 7.5° ± 2.9, and 7.2° ± 2.0 in group II. A PTS angle cutoff was set at 10 degrees. The rate of patients showing a PTS ≥ 10° was significantly higher in group I compared to group II (p < 0.01). Patients with PTS ≥ 10° were 5.7 times more likely to sustain a subsequent ACL injury, (OR: 5.7 95% CI[1.858–17.486]). The Average BMI in group I was 24.5 ± 3.7 kg.m−2 compared to group II which was 23.3 ± 3.0 kg.m−2. There were no significant differences in any of the four BMI categories between both groups (p value 0.289). A series of BMI cut-offs were also analyzed at 23 to30 kg/m2, and there was no significant difference between both groups.ConclusionsA posterior tibial slope equal to or above 10 degrees measured on lateral knee radiographs was associated with 5.7 times higher risk of ACL graft rupture or contralateral native ACL injury; however, BMI was not.

Repeat Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injury and Return to Sport in Australian Soccer Players After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction With Hamstring Tendon Autograft

Background: Soccer is the most commonly played team sport in the world and a high-risk sport for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury and subsequent ACL reconstruction (ACLR). Purpose: To assess the rate of further ACL injury in patients who have undergone ACLR with hamstring tendon autograft after soccer injuries in Australia and to determine factors associated with repeat ACL injury and return to soccer. Study Design: Case-control study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: From a prospectively collected database, a series of 1000 consecutive ACLRs using hamstring autografts performed in soccer players were identified. Patients were surveyed at a minimum 5 years after reconstruction, including details of further ACL injuries to either knee, return to soccer or other sports, and psychological readiness per the Anterior Cruciate Ligament Return to Sport after Injury (ACL-RSI) scale. Results: Of the 862 participants reviewed, ACL graft rupture occurred in 85 (10%) and contralateral ACL rupture in 68 (8%) within 5 years after the reconstruction. The 5-year ACL graft survivorship was 94% for females and 88% for males. The survivorship of the contralateral ACL was 92% for males and 90% for females. When compared with those aged >25 years, the odds of ACL graft rupture was increased by 4 to 5 times in those aged 19 to 25 years and 3 to 7 times in those ≤18 years. Further ACL injury to the graft or contralateral knee occurred in 44% of males aged ≤18 years. Risk factors for further ACL injury were younger age at time of surgery, male sex, and return to soccer. Graft diameter did not influence ACL graft rupture rates, and 70% of patients returned to soccer after ACLR. The mean ACL-RSI score was 59, and patients who reported more fear of reinjury on this scale were less likely to have returned to soccer. Conclusion: The prevalence of ACL graft rupture (10%) and contralateral ACL rupture (8%) was near equivalent over 5 years in this large cohort of mostly recreational Australian soccer players. ACLR with hamstring autograft is a reliable procedure, allowing 70% of patients to return to soccer in this high-risk population. Risk factors for further ACL injury are progressively younger age at time of surgery, male sex, and return to soccer. Graft diameter was not a factor in ACL graft rupture, indicating that other factors, particularly age, are of primary importance.

Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction Procedures Using the Iliotibial Band Autograft.

The Micheli anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) procedure is a combined intra-articular and extra-articular knee stabilization technique that combines lateral augmentation with ACL reconstruction using the iliotibial band as an autograft for both aspects of the technique. Its primary indication is for ACL reconstruction in skeletally immature patients with more than 2 years of growth remaining. Studies have shown it to be effective at restoring knee biomechanics to have minimal risk of complications, including those associated with growth disturbances and a relatively low ACL graft rupture rate. Additional studies are needed to better understand the potential utilization of this technique and related modifications in the marginally skeletally immature patient, skeletally mature adolescent, adult, and revision ACL reconstruction settings.

Risk Factors for Anterior Cruciate Ligament Graft Failure in Professional Athletes: An Analysis of 342 Patients With a Mean Follow-up of 100 Months From the SANTI Study Group

Background: Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries are among the most common knee injuries sustained in elite sport, and athletes generally undergo ACL reconstruction (ACLR) to facilitate their return to sport. ACL graft rupture is a career-threatening event for elite athletes. Purpose/Hypothesis: The purpose of this study was to determine the risk factors for graft failure in professional athletes undergoing ACLR. It was hypothesized that athletes who underwent combined ACLR with a lateral extra-articular procedure (LEAP) would experience significantly lower rates of graft rupture in comparison with those who underwent isolated ACLR. Study design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: Professional athletes who underwent primary ACLR with a minimum follow-up of 2 years were identified from the Santy database. Patients were excluded if they underwent major concomitant procedures, including multiligament reconstruction surgery or osteotomy. Further ipsilateral knee injury, contralateral knee injury, and any other reoperations or complications after the index procedure were identified by interrogation of the database and review of the medical notes. Results: A total of 342 athletes with a mean follow-up of 100.2 ± 51.9 months (range, 24-215 months) were analyzed. Graft failures totaling 31 (9.1%) were reported, requiring revision surgery because of symptomatic instability. The rate of graft failure was significantly higher when ACLR was not combined with a LEAP (15.5% vs 6.0%; P = .0105) and in athletes aged 21 years or younger (13.8% vs 6.6%; P = .0290). A multivariate analysis was performed using the Cox model and demonstrated that athletes undergoing an isolated ACLR were at >2-fold risk of ACL graft rupture (hazard ratio [HR], 2.678 [1.173; 4.837], P = .0164) when compared with those undergoing a combined ACLR with a LEAP. Additionally, athletes aged ≤21 years were also at >2-fold risk of graft failure (HR, 2.381 [1.313; 5.463]; P = .0068) than those aged >21 years. Sex, sport, and graft type were not found to be significant risk factors for graft failure. Conclusion: Professional athletes undergoing isolated ACLR and aged ≤21 years are at >2-fold greater risk of graft failure. Orthopaedic surgeons treating elite athletes should combine an ACLR with a LEAP to improve ACL graft survivorship.

Isolated ACL Reconstruction Versus ACL Reconstruction Combined With Lateral Extra-articular Tenodesis: A Comparative Study of Clinical Outcomes in Adolescent Patients

Background: Young patients undergoing anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction (ACLR) are at a particularly high risk of graft ruptures compared with adults. Recent studies have demonstrated significant reductions in ACL graft rupture rates in high-risk adult populations when a lateral extra-articular procedure is performed, but comparative studies in pediatric and adolescent populations are currently lacking in the literature. Purpose/Hypothesis: The purpose of this study was to compare the clinical outcomes of isolated ACLR versus combined ACLR and lateral extra-articular tenodesis (LET) when using the Arnold-Coker modification of the MacIntosh procedure in early adolescent patients. The hypothesis was that combined procedures would be associated with a significantly reduced risk of graft ruptures. Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: A retrospective analysis of consecutive early adolescent patients who underwent ACLR using a hamstring tendon autograft with or without the Arnold-Coker modification of the MacIntosh procedure was conducted. Patients with ≥1 additional risk factors for a graft rupture were offered LET in addition to ACLR (pivot-shift grade 2 or 3, high level of sporting activity defined as Tegner activity score ≥7, participation in pivoting sports, and Segond fractures). Clinical outcomes including graft rupture rates, patient-reported outcome measure scores (Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score and subjective International Knee Documentation Committee), knee stability, return-to-sports rates, reoperation rates, and complications were assessed. Comparisons between variables were assessed with the chi-square or Fisher exact test for categorical variables and the Student or Wilcoxon test for quantitative variables. Multivariate analyses were undertaken to evaluate risk factors for a graft rupture. Results: A total of 111 patients with a mean follow-up of 43.8 ± 17.6 months (range, 24-89 months) were included in the study; 40 patients underwent isolated ACLR, and 71 underwent ACLR + LET. The addition of LET to ACLR was associated with a significantly lower graft rupture rate compared with isolated ACLR (0.0% vs 15.0%, respectively; odds ratio, 15.91 [95% CI, 1.81-139.44]; P = .012). It was also associated with significantly better knee stability (pivot-shift grade 3: 0.0% vs 11.4%, respectively; P = .021) (side-to-side anteroposterior laxity difference >5 mm: 0.0% vs 17.1%, respectively; P = .003) and Tegner activity scores (7 vs 6, respectively; P = .010). There were no significant differences between the groups regarding the Patient Acceptable Symptom State for the patient-reported outcome measures, nor for any of the other outcome measures evaluated, and no differences in the rate of non–graft rupture related reoperations or complications. The ACLR + LET group exceeded the minimal clinically important difference with respect to the Tegner activity scale. Conclusion: In a retrospective comparative cohort study of adolescents, combined ACLR and LET was associated with a significantly lower graft rupture rate and no difference in non–graft rupture related reoperations or complications compared with isolated ACLR.

Is There an Association in Young Patients Between Quadriceps or Hamstring Strength After ACL Reconstruction and Graft Rupture?

Background:Younger patients who sustain anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) ruptures are at high risk for reinjury after ACL reconstruction. Restoring muscle strength before return to sports (RTS) is regarded as an important factor in reducing the reinjury risk, and quadriceps and hamstring strength assessment is commonly included in RTS testing. However, it is not clear whether reduced strength is a risk factor for subsequent graft rupture in this patient population.Purpose:To investigate the association between quadriceps and hamstring strength at 12 months after primary ACL reconstruction and ACL graft rupture in young patients.Study Design:Case-control study; Level of evidence, 3.Methods:The cohort consisted of 210 patients (100 men and 110 women) who were younger than 20 years at the time of primary ACL reconstruction with a hamstring tendon autograft and who had no previous contralateral ACL injury. Isokinetic strength testing (60 and 180 deg/s) of knee flexors and extensors was performed at 12 months postoperatively, and the limb symmetry index (LSI) for each strength outcome was calculated. RTS rates and the incidence of further ACL graft ruptures were recorded.Results:Measures of central tendency (mean and median) of LSI values ranged from 88 to 98. The percentage of patients with LSI ≥90 was 57% to 69% for quadriceps strength and 45% to 47% for hamstring strength. Overall, 19 patients (9%) sustained an ACL graft rupture. No significant differences were found between the patients who sustained an ACL graft rupture and those who did not in terms of quadriceps and hamstring strength at 12 months. No significant associations were found between achieving LSI ≥90 for quadriceps peak torque and subsequent ACL graft rupture.Conclusion:In young patients who underwent an ACL reconstruction, no association was noted between quadriceps and hamstring strength at 12 months postoperatively and subsequent graft ruptures. The role of strength testing as part of the RTS criteria after ACL reconstruction, and specifically the use of limb symmetry thresholds, warrants further investigation and clarification.

Evidence for isokinetic and functional testing in return to sport decisions following ACL surgery.

The rupture and reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) of the knee are associated with an increased risk of functional instability, a reduction in sports performance, and a higher risk of future additional injuries. Competitive athletes who participate in sports that require pivoting, cutting, and jumping are at particularly high risk for ACL rupture. The return to sport progression continuum after surgery includes sports-specific rehabilitation, evaluation of strength and function, gradual participation in exercise training with progressively challenging activities in the field of play, participation in sports at a lower level, and finally a return to preinjury-level sports competition. This narrative review evaluates the evidence that supports the use of quadriceps and hamstrings isokinetic strength testing and sports-specific functional skills assessments to evaluate progress with rehabilitation after ACL surgery. Strength evaluations, hop tests, agility tests, and the limb symmetry index are described, as well as the associations of quadriceps and hamstrings muscle strength and functional test results with successful return to sports and the risk of ACL graft rupture and contralateral knee injuries. Suggestions for future research directions are presented including the importance of presurgery testing, standardization of test batteries, and comparison of test results with normative data.

Risk of Graft Rupture After Adding a Lateral Extra-articular Procedure at the Time of ACL Reconstruction: A Retrospective Comparative Study of Elite Alpine Skiers From the French National Team

Background: Elite alpine skiing is associated with a particularly high risk of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries, including graft ruptures. Despite a considerable focus on prevention, a reduction in injury rates has not been observed since the 1980s. Purpose: To determine whether elite alpine skiers undergoing ACL reconstruction (ACLR) with a lateral extra–articular procedure (LEAP) had a lower rate of ACL graft rupture when compared with those who underwent isolated ACLR. Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: Elite skiers from the French ski team who had undergone ACLR, with or without a LEAP, and had a minimum follow–up of 2 years were identified from the national ski team database. Rates of secondary ACL injury were determined via interrogation of the database, review of medical notes, and a final telemedicine interview. A multivariable analysis using the penalized Cox model was performed to explore the relationship among graft rupture, surgical procedure type, and any potential explanatory variables. Results: Among 81 ACLR procedures analyzed, 50 were isolated and 31 were combined with a LEAP, which was performed using modified Lemaire or anterolateral ligament reconstruction. Graft rupture rates were 34.0% in the isolated ACLR group and 6.5% in the ACLR + LEAP group. Multivariable analysis demonstrated that adding a LEAP was associated with a significant reduction in risk of ACL graft rupture when compared with isolated ACLR (hazard ratio [HR], 5.286 [95% CI, 1.068-26.149]; P = .0412). Age (HR, 1.114; P = .1157), sex (HR, 1.573; P = .3743), and ACL graft type (HR, 1.417; P = .5394) were not significant risk factors. Conclusion: Combined ACLR and LEAP were associated with a significant reduction in the rate of ACL graft rupture in elite alpine ski athletes. Those treated with isolated ACLR remain at extremely high risk of a second ACL injury.

Augmentation of Primary ACL Reconstruction With a Modified Ellison Lateral Extra-articular Tenodesis in High-Risk Patients: A Pilot Study.

Background:Lateral extra-articular tenodesis (LET) has been used to augment primary anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction to reduce the risk of reinjury. Most LET procedures result in a construct that is fixed to both the femur and the tibia. In a modified Ellison procedure, the construct is only fixed distally, reducing the risk of inadvertently overconstraining the lateral compartment.Purpose:To evaluate the use of the modified Ellison procedure in a cohort of patients deemed to be at a high risk of further ACL injury after primary ACL reconstruction.Study Design:Case series; Level of evidence, 4.Methods:Included were 25 consecutive patients with at least 2 of the following risk factors: age <20 years at the time of surgery, previous contralateral ACL reconstruction, positive family history of ACL rupture (parent or sibling), generalized ligamentous laxity (Beighton ≥4), grade 3 pivot shift in the consulting room, a desire to return to a pivoting sport, and an elite or professional status. All patients underwent primary ACL reconstruction with an additional modified Ellison procedure. Postoperatively, patients completed the IKDC subjective knee evaluation form (International Knee Documentation Committee), KOOS Quality of Life subscale (Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score), ACL–Return to Sport After Injury Scale, Marx Activity Rating Scale, and SANE score (Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation).Results:At 12-month follow-up, the mean outcome scores were as follows: SANE, 94/100; IKDC, 92/100; Marx, 13/16; ACL–Return to Sport, 85/100; and KOOS, 77/100. At 24 months, return-to-sport data were available for 23 of 25 patients; 17 (74%) were playing at the same level or higher than preinjury and 2 at a lower level. One patient (4%) sustained a contact mechanism graft rupture at 12 months. There were 2 (9%) contralateral ACL injuries, including 1 ACL graft rupture, at 11 and 22 months postoperatively. There was a further contralateral ACL graft rupture at 26 months.Conclusion:The use of the modified Ellison procedure as a LET augmentation of a primary ACL reconstruction to produce a low graft rupture rate appeared to be safe in a cohort considered to be at a high risk of reinjury. The procedure showed promise in terms of reducing further graft injuries.

Stable Lateral Meniscal Posterior Root Tears Left In Situ at Time of Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction Are of Minimal Long-Term Clinical Detriment

The purpose of this study was to compare long-term patient-reported outcomes in patients undergoing anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction with untreated stable lateral meniscal posterior root (LMPR) tears to those with an intact meniscus. Four hundred ninety-two subjects were followed for a minimum of 15-years post-ACL reconstruction and evaluated by an International Knee Documentation Committee questionnaire. The integrity of the meniscus was classified at surgery. Patients were grouped as either untreated injury to LMPR "with stable tear" (WST) group (n= 52) or intact lateral meniscus "no tear" (NT) group (n= 440). WST group included tears where those with a root avulsion within 9 mm of insertion and parrot beak tears with the integrity of the root attachment maintained. Outcomes were compared between groups. ACL graft rupture occurred in 10% in the WST group and in 11% in the NT group (P= .78). For participants with an intact graft (n= 440), the mean International Knee Documentation Committee scores were 82, in the WST group, and 87, in the NT group (P= .03), with a small effect size of .32. The WST group had a worse mean pain severity score (P= .04) and higher frequency of pain (P= .03) than the NT group, but the effect size was small (P < 0.3). There was no difference in the overall knee function (P= .209) or International Knee Documentation Committee activity level (P= .882). There was no adverse clinical outcome to leaving a stable LMPR tear in situ at the time of ACL reconstruction. LMPR tears left in situ were of minimal clinically significant long-term detriment, with outcomes similar to having an intact meniscus. There is an innate desire to fix the broken, but posterior meniscal root avulsions and stable parrot beak tears within 9 mm of insertion may not require intervention. At 15 years postinjury, most patients with a stable tear left in situ continue to enjoy an active lifestyle with a pain-free knee. Level III, retrospective comparative study.

The Intrarater and Inter-rater Reliability of Radiographic Evaluation of the Posterior Tibial Slope in Pediatric Patients.

In young athletes, an association exists between an increased posterior tibial slope (PTS) and the risk of primary anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury, ACL graft rupture, contralateral ACL injury, and inferior patient reported outcomes after ACL reconstruction. In spite of this, there is no consensus on the optimal measurement method for PTS in pediatric patients. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the reliability of previously described radiographic PTS measurement techniques. A retrospective review was performed on 130 patients with uninjured knees between the ages of 6 and 18 years. The medial PTS was measured on lateral knee radiographs by four blinded reviewers using three previously described methods: the anterior tibial cortex (ATC), posterior tibial cortex (PTC), and the proximal tibia anatomic axis (PTAA). The radiographs were graded by each reviewer twice, performed 2 weeks apart. The intrarater and inter-rater reliability were assessed using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). Subgroup analyses were then performed stratifying by patient age and sex. The mean PTS were significantly different based on measurement method: 12.5 degrees [confidence interval (CI): 12.2-12.9 degrees] for ATC, 7.6 degrees (CI: 7.3-7.9 degrees) for PTC, and 9.3 degrees (CI: 9.0-9.6 degrees) for PTAA (P<0.0001). Measures of intrarater reliability was excellent among all reviewers across all 3 methods of measuring the PTS with a mean ICC of 0.87 (range: 0.82 to 0.92) for ATC, 0.83 (range: 0.82 to 0.87) for PTC, and 0.88 (range: 0.79 to 0.92) for PTAA. The inter-rater reliability was good with a mean ICC of 0.69 (range: 0.62 to 0.83) for the ATC, 0.63 (range: 0.52 to 0.83) for the PTC, and 0.62 (range: 0.37 to 0.84) for the PTAA. Using PTAA referencing, the PTS was greater for older patients: 9.9 degrees (CI: 7.7-9.4 degrees) vs 8.5 degrees (CI: 9.2-10.7 degrees) (P=0.0157) and unaffected by sex: 9.5 degrees (CI: 8.8-10.1 degrees) for females and 9.0 degrees (CI: 8.0-10.0) for males (P=0.4199). There were no major differences in intrarater or inter-rater reliability based on age or sex. While the absolute PTS value varies by measurement technique, all methods demonstrated an intrarater reliability of 0.83 to 0.88 and inter-rater reliability of 0.61 to 0.69. However, this study highlights the need to identify PTS metrics in children with increased inter-rater reliability. IV, Case series.

Effect of Graft Rupture Prevention Training on Young Athletes After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: An 8-Year Prospective Intervention Study.

Background:There is a lack of research on the effects of a postoperative rehabilitation program on anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) graft rupture.Hypothesis:We hypothesized that a hip-focused rehabilitation protocol with graft rupture education and avoidance training (HIP-GREAT program) would demonstrate lower ACL graft rupture rates compared with a traditional physical therapy (PT) program.Study Design:Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3.Methods:This study consisted of young athletes who had undergone ACL reconstruction at a single institution. Postoperatively, 136 participants (mean age, 16.9 ± 2.4 years) were enrolled in a traditional PT protocol between 2006 and 2010, and 153 participants (mean age, 17.0 ± 2.3 years) were enrolled in the HIP-GREAT protocol between 2011 and 2015. Follow-up rates were 31% (42/136) and 27% (41/153) in the traditional PT and HIP-GREAT groups, respectively, at 3 years postoperatively. The hazard ratio was calculated, and absolute risk reduction (ARR) and number-needed-to-treat (NNT) analyses were performed to compare the 2 protocols.Results:ACL graft rupture occurred in 10 patients (7.4%) in the traditional PT group and 5 patients (3.3%) in the HIP-GREAT group. This difference was not statistically significant (hazard ratio, 0.39; 95% CI, 0.14 to 1.16; P = .09). The ARR was 0.041 (95% CI, –0.011 to 0.093), and the NNT was 24.5.Conclusion:This study did not demonstrate a statistically significant reduction of ACL graft rupture in patients in the HIP-GREAT group. However, high ARR values and low NNT values were found, which suggests the possible effectiveness of the HIP-GREAT protocol to reduce ACL graft ruptures in young athletes.

Primary Partial Transphyseal Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction in Children with Open Physes

The incidence of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries in skeletally immature patients is increasing, with ACL reconstruction preferred as it has been shown to have chondroprotective benefits in this population. Due to concerns with growth disturbances following ACL reconstruction in skeletally immature patients, results of various physical-sparing, partial-transphyseal, or complete-transphyseal techniques have been explored. Currently, there is no consensus on the most effective ACL reconstruction technique in skeletally immature patients. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to report the outcomes of a partial-transphyseal, over-the-top (OTT) ACL reconstruction in a cohort of skeletally immature patients. All patients with radiographic evidence of open tibial and femoral physes that underwent primary ACL reconstruction using the partial-transphyseal OTT technique between 2009-2018 at a single tertiary-care institution were retrospectively reviewed. Patient demographics, physical examination findings, graft ruptures, return to sport, and Tegner activity levels were analyzed. Statistical significance was defined as p <0.05. Overall, 22 males and 2 females (25 knees) with a mean age of 13.0 years (Standard Deviation [SD], 1.7 years) were included in the study. The mean postoperative follow-up was 2.1 years (SD, 1.7 years). There were four cases of ACL graft rupture (16%). All patients successfully returned to unrestricted sport at an average time of 7.3 months. Preinjury and postoperative Tegner activity levels were documented in 22 knees, of which 21/22 (95%) returned to the same or higher level. There were no documented cases of clinically significant longitudinal or angular growth disturbance. Partial transphyseal ACL reconstruction using a transphyseal tibial tunnel and an extra-articular, OTT position on the femur in skeletally immature affords minimal risk of growth disturbance with a graft rupture rate of 16% and a 95% return to sport at the same or higher level.