BTB Autograft Research Articles

Do Bone-Patellar Tendon-Bone ACL-Reconstructed Knees Have More Signs of Patellofemoral Posttraumatic Osteoarthritis Than Their Uninjured Contralateral Knees at 2 Years?

Background:The prevalence of patellofemoral joint (PFJ) osteoarthritis ranges from 8% to 47% at 7 to 10 years after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) using bone–patellar tendon–bone (BTB) autograft. In performing BTB ACLR, some hypothesize that either trauma caused by harvest of the BTB autograft or altered biomechanics contributes to PFJ posttraumatic osteoarthritis.Purpose/Hypothesis:To determine whether knees with ACLR using a BTB autograft show early signs of posttraumatic osteoarthritis as compared with the contralateral uninjured knee 2 years after ACLR. We hypothesized that a BTB autograft will not increase the prevalence of PFJ osteoarthritis.Study Design:Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3.Methods:Bilateral knee 3-T magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans were collected in 57 patients (mean age, 20.3 years; 28 men) from a single site at a minimum of 2 years after ACLR. Structural MRI assessment of the knees was performed using the MRI Osteoarthritis Knee Score semiquantitative scoring system by a board-certified musculoskeletal radiologist. The presence of cartilage defects in the patellofemoral compartment was compared between the reconstructed and contralateral uninjured knees using logistic regression analyses.Results:There were no significant differences in the prevalence of cartilage defects (full thickness or any thickness) in the PFJ between the BTB ACLR knees and the contralateral control knees: 38.6% of BTB ACLR knees had PFJ cartilage defects versus 31.6% of contralateral control knees (P > .391). The 95% CI for the difference between these groups was –9.0% to 23.0%.Conclusion:When comparing BTB ACLR knees with the uninjured contralateral knees in the study patients, we failed to observe statistically significant differences in the prevalence of PFJ cartilage lesions of full thickness or any thickness. These results should be used in shared decision-making with athletes when choosing the appropriate autograft during reconstruction. Our wide 95% CIs secondary to a smaller sample size demonstrate a need for larger studies in this area to more accurately describe the difference between the operative and contralateral knees.

Return to Sport After ACL Reconstruction With a BTB Versus Hamstring Tendon Autograft: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

Background:Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears are debilitating injuries frequently suffered by athletes. ACL reconstruction is indicated to restore knee stability and allow patients to return to prior levels of athletic performance. While existing literature suggests that patient-reported outcomes are similar between bone–patellar tendon–bone (BTB) and hamstring tendon (HT) autografts, there is less information comparing return-to-sport (RTS) rates between the 2 graft types.Purpose:To compare RTS rates among athletes undergoing primary ACL reconstruction using a BTB versus HT autograft.Study Design:Systematic review; Level of evidence, 4.Methods:The MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases were searched, and studies that reported on RTS after primary ACL reconstruction using a BTB or HT autograft were included. Studies that utilized ACL repair techniques, quadriceps tendon autografts, graft augmentation, double-bundle autografts, allografts, or revision ACL reconstruction were excluded. RTS information was extracted and analyzed from all included studies.Results:Included in the review were 20 articles investigating a total of 2348 athletes. The overall RTS rate in our cohort was 73.2%, with 48.9% returning to preinjury levels of performance and a rerupture rate of 2.4%. The overall RTS rate in patients after primary ACL reconstruction with a BTB autograft was 81.0%, with 50.0% of athletes returning to preinjury levels of performance and a rerupture rate of 2.2%. Patients after primary ACL reconstruction with an HT autograft had an overall RTS rate of 70.6%, with 48.5% of athletes returning to preinjury levels of performance and a rerupture rate of 2.5%.Conclusion:ACL reconstruction using BTB autografts demonstrated higher overall RTS rates when compared with HT autografts. However, BTB and HT autografts had similar rates of return to preinjury levels of performance and rerupture rates. Less than half of the athletes were able to return to preinjury sport levels after ACL reconstruction with either an HT or BTB autograft.

The Challenges of Treating Female Soccer Players With ACL Injuries: Hamstring Versus Bone-Patellar Tendon-Bone Autograft.

Background:Although anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries are common in female soccer players, the optimal graft option for ACL reconstruction is currently unclear.Purpose/Hypothesis:To compare the outcomes of female soccer players after ACL reconstruction using either hamstring tendon autograft or bone–patellar tendon–bone (BTB) autograft. We hypothesized that there would be no difference in clinical outcome scores, return to sport, or retear rates between BTB and hamstring grafts in our study cohort.Study Design:Case series; Level of evidence, 4.Methods:We performed a retrospective review of all skeletally mature adolescent female soccer players who underwent primary ACL reconstruction using either hamstring tendon or BTB autograft between 2013 and 2016. Demographic, injury, and surgical variables were documented. Outcome measures included the Lysholm score, Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation, Tegner activity score, and visual analog scales for pain and for satisfaction, as well as ability to return to sport.Results:Overall, 90 female soccer players met the inclusion criteria, of whom 79% (41 BTB and 30 hamstring) were available for a minimum 2-year follow-up or had a graft failure before the follow-up. The BTB group had a lower body mass index (mean ± SD, 23 ± 3 vs 25 ± 4; P = .02) and shorter postoperative follow-up time in months (mean ± SD, 37.4 vs 46.1; P ≤ .001); otherwise, no differences in demographic, injury, or surgical variables between groups were noted. Regarding outcome measures, the BTB group achieved a higher Tegner score (6.0 vs 4.2; P = .004), and there was no other difference between groups. Of the patients who did not return to soccer, 44.7% reported fear as the reason. Of the patients who did return to soccer, 31.9% sustained another ACL injury (retear or contralateral tear), with no differences in reinjury rates based on graft selection.Conclusion:Adolescent female soccer players undergoing ACL reconstruction had relatively high satisfaction and outcome scores independent of autograft choice. Notwithstanding, patients and families need to be counseled that less than half of patients will return to their preinjury level of sport and, if an athlete attempts to return, there is a high risk of further ACL injury.

Revision ACL Reconstruction in Adolescent Patients.

Background:High failure rates have been documented after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) in pediatric patients, and revision surgery is indicated due to high activity levels of children and adolescents.Purpose:To define trends in revision ACLR in patients who underwent initial ACLR at younger than 18 years.Study Design:Case series; Level of evidence, 4.Methods:An electronic medical record was used to retrospectively identify revision ACLR procedures performed by 2 surgeons between the years 2010 and 2016 in patients younger than 18 years at initial reconstruction. Descriptive information, intraoperative findings, surgical techniques, and rehabilitation data were recorded from initial and revision surgeries. Descriptive statistics were used.Results:A total of 32 patients (17 girls, 15 boys) met the inclusion criteria, with a mean age of 15.8 years at initial reconstruction. For initial reconstructions, 15 patients underwent transphyseal procedures, 3 patients underwent adult-type procedures using an anatomic reconstruction technique that did not take into account the physis, and 2 patients underwent partial intraepiphyseal procedures. Graft types included hamstring autograft (n = 17), allograft (n = 5), hybrid (n = 4), and bone–patellar tendon–bone autograft (BTB; n = 3). Average primary reconstruction graft diameter was 8.0 mm (girls, 7.72 mm; boys, 8.36 mm; P = .045). After initial reconstruction, 10 patients had postoperative protocol noncompliance, and 8 patients reported delayed recovery. Mean time to retear was 565 days (range, 25-1539 days). At revision, BTB autograft was used in 50% (n = 16), followed by hamstring autograph (31.3%; n = 10) and allograft (12.5%; n = 4); mean graft diameter was 9.05 mm. Chondral surgery was more common during revision (25% for revision vs 0% for index; P = .031). There were 4 patients who required staged reconstruction with bone grafting. At mean final follow-up of 29.5 months (SD, 22.2 months), there were 3 graft failures (9.4%) and 5 contralateral ACL ruptures (15.6%).Conclusion:Most patients with ACL graft failure were adequately treated with a single revision. Conversion from a soft tissue graft to a BTB autograft was the most common procedure. Infrequently, patients required staged reconstructions. Providers should have a high index of suspicion for associated intra-articular injuries resulting from graft failure in adolescent patients.

Graft Choice for Adolescent Athletes Returning to High-Risk Sports: A Matched Cohort Analysis of Patellar Tendon and Hamstring Autografts

Objectives:Graft selection for skeletally mature adolescents undergoing anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction is guided by surgeon and patient preference. In young patients returning to high-risk cutting and pivoting sports, graft rupture is the most feared complication of ACL reconstruction. Some studies have demonstrated slightly lower rates of graft failure and decreased laxity in the short term associated with patellar tendon (BTB) autografts as compared to hamstring (HS) autografts, but these studies are limited by their heterogeneity of ages and activity level. The purpose of this study is to compare the rates of graft failure between BTB and HS ACL reconstruction cohorts matched by age, sex, and sport.Methods:A single-institution retrospective review was performed of consecutive patients less than 19 years of age treated with ACL reconstructions using either patellar tendon (BTB) or hamstring (HS) autograft performed by a single surgeon. Skeletally mature or nearly mature patients in “high-risk” ACL injury sports (basketball, football, soccer, lacrosse, and gymnastics) were initially treated with hamstring autografts but the graft preference transitioned to BTB autografts as the preferred graft choice during the study period. This transition in graft preference for adolescents participating in “high risk” sports allows for a comparison of outcomes based on graft types. Inclusion criteria were ages 13 – 18 years, participation in a “high risk” sport, and minimum 24-month follow-up. The two cohorts of patients were matched by age, gender, and sport. The primary outcome measure was graft rupture.Results:One hundred twenty-six patients with an average age of 15.8 years (range 13 – 18 years) met inclusion criteria. There were 60 BTB reconstructions and 66 HS reconstructions. There were 55 females and 71 males. There was no difference in age, sex, BMI, or laterality between groups. There were more patients who played soccer in the BTB cohort (44%) vs HS cohort (22%) and fewer who played basketball in the BTB cohort (24%) vs HS cohort (38%), p = 0.005. There were no differences between the BTB and HS cohorts in terms of meniscus tears (60% v 68%, p = 0.34), meniscus repair (20% v 30%, p = 0.19), or partial meniscectomy (33% v 39%, p = 0.48). Mean duration of follow-up was 41 months (range 24-78 months). There was a difference in follow-up between cohorts (BTB 36 months and HS 50 months, p < 0.05). There were 16 graft ruptures (12.6%). There was no difference in the rate of graft rupture between cohorts (BTB 10.0% vs HS 15.2%, p = 0.45). Mean time to graft rupture was 21 months (range 8 – 35 months) and Kaplan-Meier survival curves demonstrated no difference between cohorts. The mean age of graft failures within the BTB cohort was 15.5 years as compared to 16.1 years for those that did not have a graft failure (p=0.268). The mean age of graft failures within the HS cohort was 14.9 years as compared to 15.9 years for those that did not have a graft failure (p<0.05).Conclusion:ACL reconstruction in adolescents returning to high-risk sports can be performed utilizing BTB or HS autografts with similar rates of graft rupture. Patients under the age of 15 years have a greater risk of failure associated with HS autograft as compared to patients 16 years of age and older with the same graft. In contrast, BTB grafts have similar failure rates regardless of age. There is a trend toward lower rates of graft rupture associated with BTB autografts, but additional patients will be necessary to determine if this trend will become a statistically significant difference.

Comparison of Bone-Patella Tendon-Bone (BTB) and Quadriceps Autograft for ACL Reconstruction

Objectives:Graft choice for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction remains controversial. Quadriceps autograft has emerged as an alternative graft choice. However, there remains a paucity of comparative outcomes. Our purpose is to compare subjective outcomes and complications of ACL reconstruction using either BTB or quadriceps autograft. Our hypothesis is that there will be no difference in subjective outcome or complications between groups.Methods:Following IRB approval, retrospective review of prospectively collected data identified consecutive cohorts of patients undergoing ACL reconstruction with either BTB or quadriceps autograft. Surgery was performed by a single sports fellowship trained surgeon between 2011-2019. Patients undergoing concomitant osteotomies, cartilage restoration, and other ligament reconstruction procedures were excluded. Pre- and post-surgical patient reported outcomes (PROs) including IKDC, KOOS, PROMIS, SANE, Tegner, and Marx were compared between groups. Complications requiring re-operation (infection, stiffness, reconstruction failure) were recorded. Results were analyzed statistically.Results:141 patients met inclusion criteria. There were 72 BTB and 69 quadriceps autografts. Mean age was 20.5 years in the BTB group and 20.7 years in the quadriceps group (p=0.9). 28 of 69 (40.6%) BTB and 34 of 72 (47.2%) quadriceps were female. Pre-operative KOOS Pain (64.5, 78.0, p=0.0007), KOOS QOL (29.6, 37.7, p=0.05), IKDC (44.5, 52.6, p=0.05), and PROMIS Physical Function (39.0, 42.7 p=0.04) scores were significantly higher in the BTB cohort. There were no differences in other baseline PROs. At minimum 6-month follow-up (range 6 - 57 months), patients in both quadriceps and BTB autograft cohorts reported statistically significant improvements in all KOOS domains, Tegner (76.4%, p=0.0002; 94.0%, p=0.000000003), IKDC (67.3%, p=0.0000009; 54.0%, p=0.000000009), SANE (69.4%, p=0.0000001; 70.7%, p=0.000000002), PROMIS Mobility T-Score (30.6%, p=0.0000003; 24.6%, p=0.000002), PROMIS Global Physical Health (15.3%, p=0.00002; 14.3%, p=0.00004), PROMIS Physical Function (33.2%, p=0.0000000008; 29.6%, p=0.00000002), PROMIS Pain Interference (-17.9%, p=0.00000002; -20.8%, p=0.00000000007). Post-operative Tegner (4.7, 6.0, p=0.04) and Global Mental Health (55.7, 60.1, p=0.008) scores were significantly higher in the BTB cohort. Complications were low and not significant between groups. Both quadriceps and BTB autograft cohorts required post-operative re-operations (4.4% and 6.9%, p=0.5). Quadriceps had 2 ligament reconstructions (2.9%) and 1 surgery for stiffness (1.4%). BTB group had 3 ligament reconstructions (4.2%) and 2 surgeries for stiffness (2.8%).Conclusion:Patients undergoing either BTB and quadriceps autograft ACL reconstruction demonstrated significant subjective improvements and low rates of complications requiring re-operation. At mid-term follow-up, the BTB cohort had higher activity and mental health scores.

Outcome of Single Stage Revision ACL Reconstruction. Retrospective Study and Review of Literature.

Pragmatic review of outcomes for single stage revision ACL reconstruction performed in a single center and the reasons for failure in primary surgery. Retrospective study included 59 patients with revision ACL reconstruction done by one surgeon from 2007 to 2017.Clinical records, operative notes and x-rays were assessed to find the reasons of failure. The cause of failure was traumatic in 26 (44.1%) patients after primary reconstruction, incorrect tunnel position in 18(30.5%) and biological failure in 15 (25.4%). All ACL revisions were done using autografts; patellar tendon grafts in 33 patients (55.9%), ipsilateral hamstrings in 12 (20.3%), contralateral hamstrings in 9 (15.3%) and quadriceps tendons in 5 (8.5%). Twenty-one patients were contactable as regards postoperative functional outcome scores. There was an average 18 point improvement in Oxford knee score (OKS) post-operatively, 1.6 point improvement in Tegner scores and 30 point improvement in Lysholm scores. One patient (1.7%) developed septic arthritis, 4 (6.8%) had superficial infection, while 6 (10.2%) had residual instability after revision but did not have further surgery. There was lack of full extension in 4 (6.8%) patients. In BTB grafts, 2 (6.1%) patients sustained a post-traumatic patellar fracture. 1. Good outcomes of single stage revision ACL reconstruction surgery are achievable as de-monstrated in our cohort. 2. There is need for good quality research to identify whether BTB, hamstrings or quadriceps autografts are better for ACL Reconstruction.

A Novel Scoring Instrument to Assess Donor Site Morbidity After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction With a Patellar Tendon Autograft at 2-Year Follow-up Using Contemporary Graft-Harvesting Techniques.

Background:Donor site morbidity after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction with a bone–patellar tendon–bone (BTB) autograft is clinically significant, but evidence with contemporary techniques is lacking.Purpose:To (1) evaluate donor site morbidity at a single institution using modern techniques of BTB autograft harvest at 2-year follow-up, (2) develop a 10-question donor site morbidity instrument, and (3) compare this instrument against traditional outcome tools.Study Design:Case series; Level of evidence, 4.Methods:We analyzed the 2-year follow-up outcomes of 200 consecutive patients who underwent ACL reconstruction with a BTB autograft performed by 2 surgeons at a single institution. The surgical technique utilized modern and consistent BTB autograft harvest, including graft sizing, patellar tendon and peritenon closure, and patellar and tibial donor site bone grafting. There were 187 patients included, with 13 patients undergoing revision ACL reconstruction excluded. An original 10-question scoring instrument evaluating donor site morbidity was administered to each patient (score, 0-100) and compared against each patient’s International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) and Lysholm scores.Results:Overall, 13.9% of patients were noted to have anterior knee pain with activity at 2-year follow-up. Moreover, 3.7% of patients reported an inability to kneel on hard surfaces but had no problems on soft surfaces; 5.9% of patients reported mild discomfort but were able to kneel on all surfaces. Additionally, 75.4% of patients had a perfect (100/100) donor site morbidity score. The mean donor site morbidity score at 2-year follow-up was 98.3 ± 3.4. There was a very strong correlation between the IKDC and Lysholm scores but only a strong and moderate correlation when the donor site morbidity score was compared with the IKDC and Lysholm scores, respectively.Conclusion:Donor site morbidity after ACL reconstruction with a BTB autograft was less frequent than reported in the existing literature. Some patients developed anterior knee pain; therefore, an informed discussion is advised. IKDC and Lysholm scores may not capture donor site symptoms after surgery. The 10-question donor site morbidity instrument may provide a more accurate assessment.

COMPARISON OF BONE-PATELLA TENDON-BONE (BTB) AND QUADRICEPS AUTOGRAFT FOR ACL RECONSTRUCTION IN PATIENTS UNDER 18 YEARS OF AGE

Background:Graft choice for ACL reconstruction in patients under 18 years old remains controversial. BTB autograft has long been considered for young athletes who are at or near skeletal maturity. Quadriceps autograft has emerged as an alternative graft choice in the young patient population. However, there remains a paucity of comparative outcomes.Hypothesis/Purpose:Our purpose is to compare subjective outcomes and complications of ACL reconstruction in patients under 18 years old using either BTB or quadriceps autograft. Our hypothesis is that there will be no difference in subjective outcome or complication between groups.Methods:Following IRB approval, retrospective review of prospectively collected data identified consecutive cohorts of patients under 18 years old undergoing ACL reconstruction with either BTB or quadriceps autograft. Surgery was performed by a single sports fellowship trained surgeon between 2011-2019. Patients undergoing concomitant osteotomies, cartilage restoration, and other ligament reconstruction procedures were excluded. Pre- and post-surgical patient reported outcomes (PROs) including IKDC, KOOS, PROMIS, SANE, Tegner, and Marx were compared between groups. Complications requiring re-operation (i.e., infection, stiffness, reconstruction failure) were recorded. Results were analyzed statistically.Results:71 patients met inclusion criteria. There were 41 BTB and 30 quadriceps autografts. Mean age was 16.5 years in the BTB group and 14.5 in the quadriceps group (p=0.0000006). 27 of 41 (66%) BTB and 13 of 30 (43%) quadriceps were female. There were no significant differences in PROs between groups. At minimum 6-month follow-up (range 6-25.7 months), patients in both quadriceps and BTB autograft cohorts reported statistically significant improvements in IKDC scores (31.10%, p=0.0009; 34.25%, p=0.00000008), all KOOS domains, SANE (41.80%, p=0.0000006; 42.42%, p=0.000000002), and Tegner scores (2.99%, p=0.0002; 3.35%, p=0.000004). Post-operative PROs were not significantly different between groups (p>0.05). Complications were low and not significant between groups. Both quadriceps and BTB autograft cohorts required 3 post-operative re-operations (10% and 7%, p=0.7), each group including 2 revision reconstructions (7% and 5%, p=0.8) and 1 procedure for stiffness (3% and 2%, p=0.8).Conclusion:For ACL reconstruction in patients under 18 years old, both BTB and quadriceps autografts demonstrated significant subjective improvements and low rates of complications requiring re-operation. Quadriceps autograft appears to be a safe and effective alternative to BTB autograft in this challenging patient population.Table 1.Pre-Operative PROsKOOSSub-scaleGraftPre-opNP-valueMeanSD95% CILower BoundUpper BoundADLQuadriceps75.1316.1372.4377.83170.425BTB79.1615.7777.0081.3225PainQuadriceps66.9919.5063.7370.26170.065BTB77.2014.9975.1179.3024SportQuadriceps38.8223.2934.9342.72170.806BTB40.6022.4737.5243.6825SymptomsQuadriceps63.4319.9160.1066.76170.713BTB65.5316.6563.2567.8125QOLQuadriceps28.6920.5025.2632.13170.229BTB36.0218.0733.5438.4925PROMISSub-scaleGraftPre-opNP-valueMeanSD95% CILower BoundUpper BoundPhysical HealthQuadriceps49.156.5348.0550.24170.332BTB51.246.0550.2652.2218Mental HealthQuadriceps57.597.5456.3358.85170.418BTB59.546.5158.4860.6018Physical FunctionQuadriceps39.525.7338.5640.48170.183BTB42.607.4941.3843.8118Pain InterferenceQuadriceps57.936.3356.8758.99170.892BTB58.278.2956.9259.6218MobilityT-ScoreQuadriceps40.916.5239.4642.36100.372BTB43.697.8742.2345.1414VariableGraft Pre-opNP-valueMeanSD95% CILower BoundUpper BoundMarxQuadriceps14.184.1413.4814.87170.964BTB14.203.2413.7614.6425SANEQuadriceps45.6526.5141.2150.08170.968BTB46.0024.8441.8450.1617TegnerQuadriceps2.471.422.232.71170.158BTB3.211.742.963.4524IKDCQuadriceps44.8315.0741.9247.74130.313BTB50.6316.3748.1253.1520OtherTable 2.Post-Operative PROsKOOSSub-scaleGraft>6 Months Post-opNP-valueMeanSD95% CILower BoundUpper BoundADLQuadriceps98.881.6798.6399.13210.326BTB97.864.4897.3398.4033PainQuadriceps94.576.7193.5795.58210.637BTB93.439.6492.2924.5733SportQuadriceps92.209.8790.7393.68210.108BTB83.6422.6180.9586.3233SymptomsQuadriceps91.438.9390.0992.77210.563BTB89.5912.5988.1091.0933QOLQuadriceps70.5419.6867.5973.49210.251BTB77.0420.4674.6479.4334PROMISSub-scaleGraft>6 Months Post-opNP-valueMeanSD95% CILower BoundUpper BoundPhysical HealthQuadriceps58.307.9857.0759.53200.651BTB59.246.5258.4260.0530Mental HealthQuadriceps58.248.3356.9259.55190.131BTB61.837.7460.8762.8030Physical FunctionQuadriceps51.797.9950.5753.02200.205BTB55.3210.4954.0456.6131Pain InterferenceQuadriceps47.167.0446.1048.21210.589BTB46.007.8145.0446.9631MobilityT-ScoreQuadriceps53.987.5552.5855.38140.456BTB55.726.3454.8156.6323VariableGraft >6 Months Post-opNP-valueMeanSD95% CILower BoundUpper BoundMarxQuadriceps11.175.0210.1612.18120.572BTB12.225.2411.4712.9723SANEQuadriceps87.4410.6085.7289.17180.805BTB88.4214.5886.6390.2131TegnerQuadriceps5.462.405.005.92130.221BTB6.562.666.206.9225IKDCQuadriceps75.9326.3371.3880.47160.219BTB84.8816.3882.3787.4020Other

GRAFT CHOICE FOR ACL RECONSTRUCTION IN YOUNG ACTIVE PATIENTS – USE OF QUADRICEPS TENDON AUTOGRAFT INCREASED LIKELIHOOD OF MEETING RETURN TO PLAY CRITERIA AT 6 MONTHS POST SURGERY

Background:ACL graft tears and contralateral injuries are problematic in pediatric sports medicine, with a combined incidence of 25-35%. Recent publications have highlighted a high failure rate with hamstring autografts in young patients, while others have suggested lower failure rates with quadriceps autografts. However, little is known about the possible reasons for this difference.Hypothesis:We hypothesized that the use of quadriceps soft tissue autografts would lessen post-operative neuromuscular deficits compared to other autografts, and therefore, young athletes would achieve objective return to sport (RTS) criteria more rapidly.Methods:A retrospective review of consecutive patients who underwent ACL reconstruction by a single surgeon and completed a comprehensive series of physical performance tests (PPTs) at 6 months post-surgery was conducted. A chart review of demographic and surgical data was completed. Patients performed nine common PPTs; limb symmetry index (LSI) was established and LSI> 90% was used as the cut-off for passing each individual test. Athletes met RTS criteria if they achieved LSI>90% on at least 8 of 9 tests. Multivariate linear and logistic regressions were performed to assess the effect of age (dichotomous; pediatric (<16 years) versus skeletally mature), gender, graft type, concomitant meniscal surgery, and time post-op, on the number of tests an individual could pass and the likelihood of passing the battery of PPTs, respectively.Results:The cohort of 68 young, active patients (mean age= 18.9 years +/- 7.5; 56% pediatric; 46% female; graft type: 63% BTB, 16% hamstring, 15% quadriceps, 6% ITB) were tested at a mean 6.7 months +/- 1.9. Overall, 35% of patients “passed” the battery of PPTs. Upon logistic regression, age and concomitant meniscal surgery were poor predictors of “passing.” In contrast, use of quadriceps was a strong predictor of passing (OR 14.1, 95% CI 2.4-83, p=0.003, compared to BTB). Upon linear regression, use of quadriceps was again a strong predictor of the number of individual PPTs passed (b=1.8, 95% CI 0.33-3.3, p=0.02, compared to BTB). No other demographic variables predicted “passing” or number of individual PPTs passed.Conclusion:Young, active patients undergoing ACL reconstruction with quadriceps autograft are 14 times more likely to meet RTS criteria at 6 months post-op than similar patients with BTB, hamstring or ITB autograft. This may provide valuable insight into the decreased failure rates suggested with the quadriceps autograft. Additionally, this study confirms the majority of these high-risk, young athletes do not meet RTS criteria at 6 months post-operatively.

Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction in High School and College-Aged Athletes: Does Autograft Choice Influence Anterior Cruciate Ligament Revision Rates?

Background: Physicians’ and patients’ decision-making process between bone–patellar tendon–bone (BTB) and hamstring tendon autografts for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction (ACLR) may be influenced by a variety of factors in the young, active athlete. Purpose: To determine the incidence of both ACL graft revisions and contralateral ACL tears resulting in subsequent ACLR in a cohort of high school– and college-aged athletes who initially underwent primary ACLR with either a BTB or a hamstring autograft. Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 2. Methods: Study inclusion criteria were patients aged 14 to 22 years who were injured in sports, had a contralateral normal knee, and were scheduled to undergo unilateral primary ACLR with either a BTB or a hamstring autograft. All patients were prospectively followed for 6 years to determine whether any subsequent ACLR was performed in either knee after their initial ACLR. Multivariable regression modeling controlled for age, sex, ethnicity/race, body mass index, sport and competition level, baseline activity level, knee laxity, and graft type. The 6-year outcomes were the incidence of subsequent ACLR in either knee. Results: A total of 839 patients were eligible, of which 770 (92%) had 6-year follow-up for the primary outcome measure of the incidence of subsequent ACLR. The median age was 17 years, with 48% female, and the distribution of BTB and hamstring grafts was 492 (64%) and 278 (36%), respectively. The incidence of subsequent ACLR at 6 years was 9.2% in the ipsilateral knee, 11.2% in the contralateral normal knee, and 19.7% for either knee. High-grade preoperative knee laxity (odds ratio [OR], 2.4 [95% confidence interval [CI], 1.4-3.9]; P = .001), autograft type (OR, 2.1 [95% CI, 1.3-3.5]; P = .004), and age (OR, 0.8 [95% CI, 0.7-1.0]; P = .009) were the 3 most influential predictors of ACL graft revision in the ipsilateral knee. The odds of ACL graft revision were 2.1 times higher for patients receiving a hamstring autograft than patients receiving a BTB autograft (95% CI, 1.3-3.5; P = .004). No significant differences were found between autograft choices when looking at the incidence of subsequent ACLR in the contralateral knee. Conclusion: There was a high incidence of both ACL graft revisions and contralateral normal ACL tears resulting in subsequent ACLR in this young athletic cohort. The incidence of ACL graft revision at 6 years after index surgery was 2.1 times higher with a hamstring autograft compared with a BTB autograft.

Comparison of Neuromuscular Firing Patterns of the Superficial Quadriceps in Soft Tissue Quadriceps Tendon Versus Bone-Patellar Tendon-Bone ACL Autografts.

Background:Soft tissue quadriceps tendon (QT) autografts are increasingly popular as a primary graft choice for anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR), but no study has compared superficial quadriceps activity levels and leg extension strength for QT versus bone–patellar tendon–bone (BTB) autografts.Hypothesis:Harvesting the central portion of the QT will alter rectus femoris (RF) firing patterns during maximum voluntary isometric contraction.Study Design:Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3.Methods:A total of 34 patients (age range, 18-40 years) who underwent ACLR using a BTB (n = 17) or QT (n = 17) autograft at a single institution participated in this study. Participants, who had no neuromuscular injury or prior surgery on either lower extremity, were at least 1 year after ACLR, and were cleared for full activity. Postoperative rehabilitation protocols were consistent across participants. Synchronized electromyography (EMG) and isometric torque data were collected from participants in the seated position with the hips flexed to 90° and the knee at 60° of flexion. Participants were asked to extend their knees as quickly as possible and perform maximum voluntary isometric contraction for 3 seconds. A practice trial and 3 test trials were completed with 30-second rest intervals. Mixed (2 graft × 2 limb) analyses of variance were used to examine differences in average and peak torque values and RF/vastus lateralis (VL) and RF/vastus medialis (VM) ratios. Lysholm and International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) scores were compared between groups using unpaired t tests.Results:Significantly lower values were seen for the operative compared with the nonoperative extremity for average (P = .008; η2 = 0.201) and peak torque (P < .0001; η2 = 0.321), with no significant difference between graft types. Additionally, no significant differences in RF/VL or RF/VM ratios between limbs or graft types were observed.Conclusion:At 1 year after ACLR, QT and BTB autografts showed similar isometric strength deficits, with no differences in quadriceps muscle EMG ratios seen between the 2 graft types. The results support the use of a QT autograft for ACLR, as its graft harvest does not adversely affect quadriceps firing patterns in comparison with BTB graft harvest.

Bone-Patellar Tendon-Bone Autografts Versus Hamstring Autografts Using the Same Suspensory Fixations in ACL Reconstruction: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

Background:Bone–patellar tendon–bone (BPB) autografts and hamstring tendon (HT) autografts are 2 popular choices for anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR). Although existing meta-analyses have explored the clinical outcomes between BPB and HT autografts, none have based their analysis on studies with just femoral suspensory fixation methods.Purpose:To evaluate and compare clinical outcomes, particularly graft failure and knee stability, of ACLR with BPB or HT autografts with suspensory femoral fixation.Study Design:Systematic review; Level of evidence, 4.Methods:A literature search was conducted of studies reporting single-bundle ACLR with BPB autografts and HT autografts with suspensory fixation with a minimum 24-month follow-up. Graft failure rate, knee stability, and clinical outcomes were compared for BPB versus HT autografts. Knee stability was measured with the Lachman test, pivot-shift test, and KT-1000/2000 arthrometer side-to-side difference (SSD). Clinical outcomes were measured with Lysholm scores and the Tegner activity scale, as well as rate of return to preinjury sports. Donor site morbidity among included studies was reviewed. A random-effects model was used for calculations of summary estimates. Subgroup, sensitivity, and trial sequential analyses were conducted.Results:Five studies were included. Graft failure was seen more often in the HT group than the BPB group, and this was statistically significant (P = .03). However, the trial sequential analysis outcome indicated that the included sample size was not large enough to support a solid positive finding. The analysis showed no significant difference in SSD, Lachman test, pivot-shift test, rate of return to sports, Lysholm score, or Tegner score between groups. Subgroup analyses found no significant difference between groups.Conclusion:This meta-analysis demonstrated no significant differences in knee stability and knee functional outcomes between BPB and HT autografts with suspensory fixation. More evidence is needed to prove the lower risk of failure with use of BTB autograft with suspensory fixation.

Performance and Return to Sport After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction in Professional Baseball Players.

Background:Anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) is the gold standard treatment for ACL tears to allow baseball players to return to sport (RTS). The optimal graft type and femoral tunnel drilling technique are currently unknown.Hypothesis:There is a high rate of RTS in professional baseball players after ACLR, with no significant difference in RTS rates or performance between cases and controls or between graft types or femoral drilling techniques.Study Design:Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3.Methods:All professional baseball players who underwent ACLR between 2010 and 2015 were included. Demographic and performance data (pre- and postoperative) for each player were recorded. Performance metrics were then compared between cases and matched controls.Results:A total of 124 players (mean age, 23.7 ± 4.1 years; 83% minor league players) underwent ACLR. Of these, 80% returned to sport (73% to the same or higher level) at a mean 310 ± 109 days overall and 333 ± 126 days at the same or higher level. The most common graft type was an ipsilateral bone–patellar tendon–bone (BTB) autograft (n = 87; 70%). A total of 91 players underwent concomitant meniscal debridement or repair. No significant difference in any of the primary performance metrics existed from before to after ACLR. Compared with matched controls, no significant difference existed in RTS rates or any performance metrics after ACLR. No significant difference existed in RTS rates or primary performance outcome measures between graft types or femoral drilling techniques.Conclusion:The RTS rate for professional baseball players after ACLR was 80%. No significant difference in performance metrics existed between BTB and hamstring autografts or between femoral drilling techniques. Furthermore, no significant difference in performance or RTS rates existed between cases and matched controls. Femoral drilling technique and graft type did not affect performance and RTS rates in professional baseball players after ACLR.

Outcomes Following ACL Reconstruction Using Patellar Tendon Versus Hamstring Tendon Autograft In Adolescent Athletes: An Age, Sex, And Bmi-matched Comparative Cohort Study

Objectives: The purpose of this study is to compare the re-tear rates and medium-term functional outcomes in matched cohorts of adolescent athletes who underwent primary anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) with patellar tendon/bone-tendon-bone autograft (BTB) versus hamstring tendon autograft (HS). Methods: An initial cohort of 731 patients, aged 13-19 years, who underwent ACLR-BTB or ACLR-HS between 2003-2015 at a pediatric tertiary care hospital by one of 5 surgeons, was identified through a comprehensive electronic medical record database query. Propensity score matching was performed through a logistic regression model, based on characteristics frequently used by some surgeons to guide graft selection: age, sex, and body mass index (BMI). The resultant cohort of 269 patients allowed for a 1:2 (BTB: HS, 83:186) match. A chart review was performed to identify patient demographics, surgical data, and post-operative outcomes, including ACL re-tear and length of clinical follow-up. Patients were additionally contacted to obtain longer term sport participation and re-injury data that may have been investigated or addressed at outside institutions, as well as to obtain patient reported outcomes (PRO) using validated knee function and activity questionnaires (Pedi-IKDC and HSS-Pedi FABS). Individual questions from the Pedi-IKDC that related to anterior knee pain or kneeling pain were specifically investigated to assess the potential effect of these factors, commonly cited aspects of donor site morbidity associated with BTB grafts, on overall scores within this adolescent population. Results: No significant differences were seen in demographic and clinical characteristics of the two matched graft-based cohorts (overall mean clinical follow-up: 54 months), as listed in Table 1. In the sub-population providing PROs (52% response rate, mean PRO follow up: 81 months), no significant differences were seen in activity level, median Pedi-IKDC scores, or knee pain. BTB patients demonstrated superior scores regarding ability to kneel than HS patients. Rates of ACL graft re-tear were not significantly different between groups, both when calculated based on all possible follow-up methods (ACLR-BTB: 11%; ACLR-HS: 12%; p: 0.72), or amongst patients responding to long-term follow up. Conclusion: Despite previous studies, including large, multi-country registry-based analyses, demonstrating lower re-tear rates following ACLR-BTB than ACLR-HS, the current study, focused exclusively on adolescent cohorts matched for age, sex, and BMI, showed no difference in graft re-tear rates between the two cohorts at medium-term follow-up. Moreover, activity scores and overall functional knee outcome scores appear to be equivalent between these younger graft-based populations, with no suggestion of increased donor site morbidity with BTB autograft, as it relates to knee pain or kneeling ability. For skeletally mature adolescents, graft choice may not influence outcome following ACL reconstruction. Consistent with previous studies, the current study reveals relatively high ACL re-tear rates in adolescents, the sub-population most affected by this common injury. [Table: see text]

Reoperation and Failure Rate at Six Years Following Revision ACL Reconstruction: A MARS Cohort Study

Objectives: Revision anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction remains a challenge for orthopaedic surgeons, as results are persistently inferior to those of primary reconstructions. There is very limited data regarding outcomes at 6 years following revision ACL surgery. The purpose of this study was to report the rate of reoperation, further revision, and conversion to total knee arthroplasty (TKA) in a large cohort of revision ACL reconstructions Methods: Patients undergoing revision ACL reconstructions were identified and prospectively enrolled between 2006 and 2011. Data collected included baseline demographics, intraoperative surgical technique, and a series of validated patient-reported outcome instruments. Patients were followed up by questionnaire and telephone at 6 years following index revision surgery and asked if they had undergone any further surgical procedures to either knee. If a patient reported having undergone subsequent surgery, operative reports detailing the subsequent procedure(s) were obtained and categorized. Results: Six-year follow-up subsequent surgical data was available for 951/1234 patients (77%). In this available cohort, 556 (58%) were male, mean age was 28 years (range 12-61 years) and mean BMI was 26.1 (range 17.1-47.5). Allograft was used in 510 (54%) cases, BTB autograft in 234 (25%), soft tissue autograft in 174 (18%) and other grafts were used in the remaining 33 (3%). Their index surgery was their first revision ACL reconstruction in 822 (86.4%), in 108 (11.4%) it was their second, and in 21 (2.2%) it was their third or greater. This revision procedure was a mean of 5.7 years (range 0.1-26 years) from their prior ACL reconstruction. At six years following the index revision procedure, 16.2% of the cohort underwent at least 1 subsequent surgical procedure on their index knee. Of the reoperations, 29% were meniscal procedures (71% meniscectomy, 18% repair), 21% were articular cartilage procedures (79% chondroplasty, 15% microfracture, 3% OATS, 3% ACI), 11% were for arthrofibrosis, 9% for hardware removal, and 6% were for a subsequent revision ACL reconstruction. Surprisingly, only 5% reported having undergone a subsequent TKA on their ipsilateral knee. During this same 6-year follow-up period, 6% of the cohort (n=53 patients) underwent a subsequent surgery on their contralateral knee, of which 36 were ACL reconstructions. Conclusion: Our data shows that there is a reoperation rate of greater than 15% following ACL revision, which is an important point of discussion between surgeons and their patients. Of particular interest is that there was a 6% rate of recurrent ACL failure and 5% rate of subsequent TKA in this young cohort 6 years following a revision ACL reconstruction.

Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction in Young Female Athletes: Patellar Versus Hamstring Tendon Autografts

Background: Female athletes are 2 to 8 times more prone to anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) rupture than males. Furthermore, reinjury to the ipsilateral or contralateral knee can occur in >20% of athletes. Female sex and younger age are known risk factors for graft failure. The optimal graft choice for young females remains unknown and poorly studied. Purpose/Hypothesis: The authors aimed to compare clinical outcomes in young females who underwent ACL reconstruction (ACLR) with bone–patellar tendon–bone (BTB) and quadrupled hamstring (HS) autografts. It was hypothesized that no significant differences in outcomes exist between graft choices. Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: Female patients aged 15 to 25 years who underwent primary ACLR with BTB or HS autograft were included for review. Patients were subdivided into 2 age groups: 15 to 20 years and 21 to 25 years. The occurrence of chondral, meniscal, or ligamentous injury to either knee was recorded for comparison. Results: A total of 256 females were included (BTB, n = 175; HS, n = 81). The majority of patients were between the ages of 15 and 20 years (BTB, 80%; HS, 77.8%). Overall, graft rupture occurred in 23 patients (9%) and contralateral ACL tear occurred in 18 (7%). Subgroup analysis showed that 75% of BTB and 100% of HS graft retears occurred in females aged 15 to 20 years. Within this age group, there was a significantly lower rate of graft ruptures in the BTB group (6.4%) as compared with the HS group (17.5%, P = .02). Allograft augmentation was used in 4 of the 11 HS grafts that retore. When allograft-augmented grafts were excluded, there was no significant difference in graft failure rate between graft choices. Fifteen patients in the BTB group (12%) as opposed to 1 in the HS group (2%) reported extreme difficulty or the inability to kneel on the front of the knee (P = .04). Conclusion: In females aged 15 to 20 years undergoing ACLR, BTB autograft may lead to fewer graft ruptures than HS autograft. While this difference was not observed in females aged 21 to 25 years, a larger sample may be required to accept the null hypothesis in this age group. BTB autograft significantly increased the risk of kneeling pain as compared with HS regardless of age.

Tibial tunnel enlargement after anatomic anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction with a bone–patellar tendon–bone graft. Part 2: Factors related to the tibial tunnel enlargement

BackgroundFactors related to tunnel enlargement after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction should be evaluated by multivariate analysis, because the phenomenon has multifactorial characteristics. The purpose of this study was to elucidate the factors related to the tibial tunnel enlargement rate after anatomic ACL reconstruction with a bone–patellar tendon–bone (BTB) graft using multivariate analysis. MethodsEighteen patients with unilateral ACL rupture were included. The anatomic rectangular-tunnel (ART) ACL reconstruction with a BTB autograft was performed. 3D CT models of the tibia, the tibial tunnel, and the bone plug at 3 weeks and 1 year after surgery were reconstructed and superimposed using a surface registration technique. The cross-sectional area (CSA) of the tibial tunnel perpendicular to the tunnel axis was evaluated at the aperture. The CSA was measured at 3 weeks and 1 year after surgery, and the tunnel enlargement rate at the aperture was calculated. Multiple linear regression analysis was performed to detect the significantly related factors to the tibial tunnel enlargement rate at the aperture among potential factors consisting of preoperative demographic factors and predisposing factors with the tibial tunnel. ResultsThe tibial tunnel enlargement rate at the aperture was 21.9 ± 14.1% (mean ± standard deviation). Multiple linear regression analysis detected the tendon length inside the tunnel as a significantly independent factor related to the tibial tunnel enlargement rate at the aperture (standardized β = 0.726, P = 0.008). There was no significant relationship between the tibial tunnel enlargement rate at the aperture and postoperative side-to-side difference (SSD) of the anterior knee laxity or Tegner activity level scale under single linear regression analysis. ConclusionThe greater tendon length inside the tunnel was independently related to the higher tibial tunnel enlargement rate at the aperture 1-year after anatomic ACL reconstruction with a BTB graft under multiple linear regression analysis.

Functional results of surgical reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament of the knee joint in combination with lateral stabilization

Theobjectivewas to compare the effectiveness of isolated anatomical antegrade reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) with bonetendon-bone autograft (BTB autograft) and in combination with lateral extra-articular tenodesis (LEAT) graft from the iliotibial tract (ITT).Material and methods. We analyzed 187 arthroscopic ACL reconstructions in patients with a Pivot shift test – 3+ degree. We performed an isolated ACL-R in 118 (63.1 %) patients in group 1 and added the LEAT from ITB to it in group 2.Results. According to IKDC-2000: 176 (94.1 %) patients were included in categories A and B, 11 (5.9 %) – in C. Significant differences in these groups appeared 15 months after the operation. According to KOSS: in group 2, the anterior and rotational knee stability, as well as the level of sports activity were higher, and pathological symptoms were less common.Conclusion. LEAT from ITB increases stability and functionality of the knee joint in patients with anatomical antegrade ACL reconstructions with BTB-autograft for terms over 15 months after the operation, and is an economically procedure.

GRAFT CHOICE FOR ADOLESCENT ATHLETES RETURNING TO HIGH-RISK SPORTS: A MATCHED COHORT ANALYSIS OF PATELLAR TENDON AND HAMSTRING AUTOGRAFTS

Background: Graft selection for skeletally mature adolescents undergoing anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction is guided by surgeon and patient preference. In young patients returning to high-risk cutting and pivoting sports, graft rupture is the most feared complication of ACL reconstruction. Some studies have demonstrated slightly lower rates of graft failure and decreased laxity in the short term associated with patellar tendon (BTB) autografts as compared to hamstring (HS) autografts, but these studies are limited by their heterogeneity of ages and activity level1-3. The purpose of this study is to compare the rates of graft failure between BTB and HS ACL reconstruction cohorts matched by age, sex, and sport. Methods: A single-institution retrospective review was performed of consecutive patients less than 19 years of age treated with ACL reconstructions using either patellar tendon (BTB) or hamstring (HS) autograft performed by a single surgeon. Skeletally mature or nearly mature patients in “high-risk” ACL injury sports (basketball, football, soccer, lacrosse, and gymnastics) were initially treated with hamstring autografts but the graft preference transitioned to BTB autografts as the preferred graft choice during the study period. This transition in graft preference for adolescents participating in “high risk” sports allows for a comparison of outcomes based on graft types. Inclusion criteria were ages 13 – 18 years, participation in a “high risk” sport, and minimum 6-month follow-up. The two cohorts of patients were matched by age, gender, and sport. The primary outcome measure was graft rupture. Results: One hundred fifty-two patients with an average age of 16 years (range 13 – 18 years) underwent ACL reconstruction during the study period. There were 71 BTB reconstructions and 81 HS reconstructions. There were 64 females and 88 males. There was no difference in age, sex, BMI, or laterality between groups. There were more patients who played soccer in the BTB cohort (44%) vs HS cohort (20%) and fewer who played basketball in the BTB cohort (24%) vs HS cohort (41%), p = 0.005. There were no differences between the BTB and HS cohorts in terms of meniscus tears (61% v 72%, p = 0.15), meniscus repair (21% v 32%, p = 0.13), or partial meniscectomy (32% v 33%, p = 0.90). Mean duration of follow-up was 28 months (range 7-57 months). There was no difference in follow-up between cohorts (BTB 28 months and HS 29 months, p = 0.19). There were a total of 16 graft ruptures (10.5%). There was no difference in the rate of graft rupture between cohorts (BTB 8.5% vs HS 12.3%, p = 0.60). Mean time to graft rupture was 21 months (range 8 – 35 months) and Kaplan-Meier survival curves demonstrated no difference between cohorts. Conclusions: ACL reconstruction in adolescents returning to high-risk sports can be performed utilizing BTB or HS autografts with similar rates of graft rupture. There is a trend toward lower rates of graft rupture associated with BTB autografts, but additional patients will be necessary to determine if this trend will become a statistically significant difference. Beynnon BD, Johnson RJ, Fleming BC, et al. Anterior cruciate ligament replacement: comparison of bone-patellar tendon bone grafts with two-strand hamstring grafts. A prospective, randomized study. J Bone Joint Surg Am 2002;84(9):1503-1513. Ho B, Edmonds EW, Chambers HG et al. Risk factors for early ACL reconstruction failure in pediatric and adolescent patients: a review of 561 cases. J Pediatr Orthop 2016. Samuelsen BT, Webster KE, Johnson NR, et al. Hamstring autograft versus patellar tendon autograft for ACL reconstruction: is there a difference in graft failure rate? A meta-analysis of 47,613 patients. Clin Orthop Relat Res 2017;475(10):2459-2468.