Graft Rupture Research Articles

Paper 26: Clinical Outcomes of Combined ACL and Anterolateral Ligament Reconstruction Versus Isolated ACL Reconstruction With Bone-Patellar Tendon-Bone Autograft As The Gold Standard: A Matched-Pair Analysis of 2018 Patients

Objectives: The aims of this study were to compare the clinical outcomes following “gold standard” ACL reconstruction (ACLR) with a Bone-Patellar Tendon-Bone (BPTB) autograft versus ACLR combined with an anterolateral ligament reconstruction (ALLR) using hamstring tendon autografts (HT), in a large series of propensity matched patients. The hypothesis was that combined ACLR+ALLR would confer better graft rupture rates and lower non-graft rupture related re-operation rates than isolated ACLR with BPTB Methods: A retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data was performed. Patients undergoing ACLR+ALLR using HT between January 2003 and December 2019 were propensity matched in a 1:1 ratio to patients undergoing isolated ACLR using BPTB. At the end of the study period rates of graft rupture and any other re-operations or complications that occurred following the index procedure were identified by database interrogation, review of medical records and standardized telephone interview. Kaplan Meier survivorship analyses and Cox-proportional hazards models were used to evaluate graft survivorship, re-operation free survivorship and the significance of potentially important risk factors. Results: A total of 2018 patients (1009 matched pairs) were included. The mean duration of follow-up was 101.3 months. Kaplan Meier Analysis demonstrated a significantly better graft survivorship in the ACLR+ALLR group when compared to the BPTB group at every time point (Fig 1 and Table 1). The Cox model demonstrated that patients in the BPTB group were > 3-fold more likely to experience graft failure (Hazard Ratio (HR) = 3.554 [1.744;7.243], p = 0.0005). Patients aged less than 20 years were at particularly high risk of graft rupture (HR = 5.65 [1.834;17.241], p = 0.0002) and further analysis of this subgroup demonstrated that isolated ACLR with BPTB also conferred a > 3 fold increased risk of graft rupture in young patients when compared to ACLR+ALLR. Multivariate analysis did not identify any other significant risk factors for graft rupture. Overall, there was a significantly higher reoperation rate following isolated ACLR (BPTB group 20.5%, ACLR+ALLR group 8.9%, p < 0.0001). This finding was accounted for by significantly higher rates of graft rupture (9.9% vs 3.5%, p <0.0001), cyclops syndrome (3.3% vs 1.5%, p <0.0001), and secondary meniscectomy (5% vs 2.9%, p=0.0196) in the BPTB group. Conclusions: Patients who underwent isolated ACLR with BPTB autografts experienced significantly worse ACL graft survivorship and overall re-operation free survivorship when compared to those who underwent combined ACLR+ALLR with hamstring autografts. The risk of graft rupture was more than 3-fold higher in patients who underwent isolated ACLR using BPTB. [Table: see text]

Paper 37: Peri-Operative Complications, Safety, and Early Outcomes of a Novel ACL+ALL Reconstruction Technique using Iliotibial Band Autograft vs. Patellar Tendon ACL Reconstruction: A Retrospective Pilot Study of the SATURN (Skeletally-Mature ACLR Technique Using Reinforcement Network) Study Group

Objectives: The iliotibial band (ITB) autograft has been historically used for physeal-sparing ACL reconstructions (ACLR) in skeletally immature children (Modified-Macintosh/Micheli-Kocher technique), with an extra-articular component that replicates an anterolateral ligament reconstruction (ALLR). The procedure has demonstrated excellent return to sports (RTS), patient-reported outcomes (PROs), and relatively lower ACL graft rupture rates than other techniques in children and adolescents. However, there is only minimal evidence regarding the effectiveness of the ITB technique, or similar modifications thereof, in skeletally mature athletes. The purpose of the current study was to assess the peri-operative complications, safety, and early outcomes of a novel ITB-ACLR+ALLR technique modified for skeletally mature patients and compare it to the current gold standard of patellar tendon/bone-tendon-bone autograft technique (BTB-ACLR). The study hypothesis was that the techniques would be associated with comparably low rates of peri-operative complications, good to excellent early PROs in skeletally mature adolescents and young adults. Methods: Patients aged 13-25 years-old with closing or closed physes who underwent either primary ITB-ACLR+ALLR or primary BTB-ACLR by one of three surgeons at a single institution over a one-year period were included. The ITB-ACLR+ALLR technique utilized a 20mm wide central strip of ITB autograft, transected 100-120mm proximal to the lateral epicondyle, tubularized with whipstitches in 40mm of the free end proximally and left attached to Gerdy’s tubercle distally. The graft was passed from outside in through a complete tunnel in the lateral femoral condyle that spanned the anatomic ALL footprint extra-articularly and the anatomic ACL footprint extra-articularly, then passed through a standard tibial tunnel. The graft was affixed with outside-in cortical interference screws within both femoral and tibial tunnels. All intra-operative and post-operative complications were retrospectively recorded. Physical exam findings were collected at baseline, 3 and 6 month follow up visits, return to sport (RTS) testing was performed at 6 and 9 months, post-operatively, and patient-reported outcomes (PROs), including the Pedi-IKDC, HSS-Pedi FABS, KOOS, and EQ-VAS, were collected at baseline and 6 month follow-up visits, with ongoing collection of 12 month and 24 month follow-up PROs underway. Results: 71 patients (36 ITB, 35 BTB) were included in the current analysis. There were no significant differences in age, sex, BMI, pre-operative/baseline PROs, operative time, tourniquet time, or RTS time between the two treatment groups (Table 1). Peri-operative complications for ITB-ACLR+ALLR included 1 case of graft rupture 8 months post-operatively, which was associated with patient non-compliance with post-operative rehabilitation protocols/limitations (subsequently treated with revision BTB-ACLR), 1 case of medial meniscus tear 11 months post-operatively (subsequently treated with partial meniscectomy), 1 case of lateral thigh cramping at 6 weeks post-operatively (resolved spontaneously within 1 week), one cases of stiffness at 3 months post-operatively (resolved with dynamic bracing and PT), and one superficial wound infection at 2 weeks post-operatively (resolved with oral antibiotics). Peri-operative complications for BTB-ACLR included 4 cases of arthrofibrosis 3-5 months post-operatively (subsequently treated with arthroscopic lysis of adhesions). All 3-month Lachman and pivot-shift tests demonstrated symmetry with the contralateral knee, within 1 IKDC grade. All PROs at 6 month follow up visits were not statistically different between treatment groups (Table 2). Conclusions: Preliminary safety and clinical results suggest that a novel ACLR+ALLR technique utilizing an ITB autograft may be safe and effective for restoring knee stability and returning skeletally mature adolescents to sports, with comparable early complications and function to ACLR-BTB. Given the advantages of the ITB-ACLR+ALLR—which include technically simple graft harvest/preparation/passage/fixation, optimization of both translational and rotational stability, preservation of both the dynamic knee extensor and flexor muscle groups, and relatively smaller bony tunnels—ongoing monitoring of graft rupture rates and PROs in the current cohort and future randomized, prospective clinical trials are warranted to assess the technique in methodologically rigorous, multicenter fashion.

Paper 31: Quantitative MRI of the Hamstring Muscles Ten Years After Autograft Hamstring ACLR

Paper 31: Quantitative MRI of the Hamstring Muscles Ten Years After Autograft Hamstring ACLR

Poster 352: Adverse Events and Complications following Primary ACL Reconstruction with Quadriceps Tendon Autograft: A Systematic Review

Objectives: To systematically review the incidence of postoperative complications and adverse events following primary ACLR with quadriceps tendon autograft, while secondarily comparing the reported rates in an all-soft tissue quadriceps tendon (QT) graft relative to quadriceps tendon grafts with a patellar bone plug (QTPB). Methods: Two independent authors conducted a literature search using PubMed, Embase, and Scopus databases using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. The search strategy included the following keywords combined with Boolean operators: ‘Anterior Cruciate Ligament’, ‘ACL’ ‘Reconstruction’, and ‘Quadriceps Tendon’. Inclusion criteria consisted of level I to IV human clinical studies in English or English-language translation reporting complications and adverse events after primary ACLR using quadriceps tendon autograft. The overall incidence of complications throughout the included studies, as well as the incidence of specific complications were extracted. A 2- proportion z-test was performed to evaluate for potential differences in the incidence of postoperative complications between ACLR with quadriceps tendon with and without a patellar bone plug. Results: A total of twenty studies, consisting of 2,381 patients (2,389 knees) with a mean age of 27 (mean range, 12 - 58) years, consisting of 68.3% males (n=1626/2381), were identified. The mean follow-up was 28.5 (mean range, 6 – 47) months. The total incidence of complications was 10.3% (n = 246/2389 patients), with persistent post-operative knee pain being the most common, as seen in 10.8% (n = 91/843) of knees. Patients who underwent ACL reconstruction with QT graft had increased incidence of persistent knee pain (23.3%) and reoperations (5.9%) when compared to QTPB grafts (8.6% and 3.2%, respectively) (p < .01). Nontraumatic graft ruptures were greater with the QTPB (2.1%) relative to QT (0.5%) (p = 0.01). There was no appreciable difference in total complications, total graft failures, traumatic rupture, ACLR revisions, cyclops lesions, or arthrofibrosis (all, p > 0.05). Patellar fractures occurred exclusively with the QTPB (2.2%). Conclusions: Complications following primary ACLR using quadriceps tendon autograft were recorded in 10.5% of knees, the most common of which is persistent knee pain. No difference was reported in the overall incidence of complications with the use of the QT versus QTPB grafts, however persistent knee pain was 2.7x greater with QT. [Table: see text][Table: see text]

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]

Tape-Reinforced Graft Suturing and Retensioning of Adjustable-Loop Cortical Buttons Improve Quadriceps Tendon Autograft Biomechanics in Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: A Cadaveric Study

To investigate the biomechanical effects of tape-reinforced graft suturing and graft retensioning for all-soft tissue quadriceps tendon (ASTQT) anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) in a full-construct human cadaveric model. Harvested cadaveric ASTQT grafts were assigned to either (1) double-suspensory adjustable-loop cortical button device (ALD) fixation in which both graft ends were fixed with a suspensory fixation device with (n= 5) or without (n= 5) tape-reinforced suturing or (2) single-suspensory distal tendon fixation in which only the patellar end was fixed with an ALD (n= 5) or fixed-loop cortical button device (FLD) (n= 5). All specimens were prepared using a No. 2 whipstitch technique, and tape-reinforced specimens had an integrated braided tape implant. Graft preparation time was recorded for double-suspensory constructs. Samples were tested on an electromechanical testing machine using a previously published protocol simulating rehabilitative kinematics and loading. Tape-reinforced graft suturing resulted in greater graft load retention after cycling (11.9% difference, P= .021), less total elongation (mean [95% confidence interval (CI)], 5.57 mm [3.50-7.65 mm] vs 32.14 mm [25.38-38.90 mm]; P < .001), greater ultimate failure stiffness (mean [95% CI], 171.9 N/mm [158.8-185.0 N/mm] vs 119.4 N/mm [108.7-130.0 N/mm]; P < .001), and less graft preparation time (36.4% difference, P < .001) when compared with unreinforced specimens. Retensioned ALD constructs had less cyclic elongation compared with FLD constructs (mean total elongation [95% CI], 7.04 mm [5.47-8.61 mm] vs 12.96 mm [8.67-17.26 mm]; P= .004). Tape-reinforced graft suturing improves time-zero ASTQT ACLR construct biomechanics in a cadaveric model with 83% less total elongation, 44% greater stiffness, and reduced preparation time compared with a whipstitched graft without tape reinforcement. ALD fixation improves construct mechanics when compared with FLD fixation as evidenced by 46% less total elongation. Tape-reinforced implants and graft retensioning using ALDs improve time-zero ACLR graft construct biomechanics in a time-zero biomechanical model. Clinical studies will be necessary to determine whether these implants improve clinical outcomes including knee laxity and the incidence of graft rupture.

Comparison of Primary Repair of the Anterior Cruciate Ligament and Anterolateral Structures to Reconstruction and Lateral Extra-articular Tenodesis at 2-Year Follow-up

Background: Lateral extra-articular procedures have been effective in reducing graft rupture rates after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction (ACLR), but the evidence supporting their role in ACL repair is sparse. Purpose/Hypothesis: The purpose was to compare clinical and radiological outcomes of ACLR and lateral extra-articular tenodesis (LET) (ACLR+LET) against combined repair of the ACL and anterolateral (AL) structures (ACL+AL Repair). It was hypothesized that patients undergoing ACL+AL Repair would have noninferior clinical and radiological outcomes with respect to International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) scores, knee laxity parameters, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) characteristics. Furthermore, it was hypothesized that patients undergoing repair would have significantly better Forgotten Joint Score–12 (FJS-12) values and shorter times to return to the preinjury level of sport, without any increase in the rate of ipsilateral second ACL injury. Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 2. Methods: Consecutive patients evaluated with an acute ACL tear were considered for study eligibility. ACLR+LET was only performed when intraoperative tear characteristics contraindicated ACL repair. Patient-reported outcome measures such as the IKDC score, Lysholm score, and Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS); reinjury rates; anteroposterior side-to-side laxity difference; and MRI characteristics were reported at a minimum follow-up of 2 years. The noninferiority study was based on the IKDC subjective score; side-to-side anteroposterior laxity difference; and signal-to-noise quotient (SNQ). The noninferiority margins were defined using the existing literature. An a priori sample size calculation was performed using the IKDC subjective score as the primary outcome measure. Results: A total of 100 patients (47 ACLR+LET, 53 ACL+AL Repair) with a mean follow-up of 25.2 months (range, 24-31 months) were enrolled and underwent surgery within 15 days of injury. At the final follow-up, the differences between groups with respect to the IKDC score, anteroposterior side-to-side laxity difference, and SNQ did not exceed noninferiority thresholds. ACL+AL Repair was associated with a shorter time to return to the preinjury level of sport (ACL+AL Repair: mean, 6.4 months; ACLR+LET: mean, 9.5 months; P < .01), better FJS-12 values (ACL+AL Repair: mean, 91.4; ACLR+LET: mean, 97.4; P = .04), and a higher proportion of patients achieving the Patient Acceptable Symptom State (PASS) for the KOOS subdomains studied (Symptoms: 90.2% vs 67.4%, P = .005; Sport and Recreation: 94.1% vs 67.4%, P < .001; Quality of Life: 92.2% vs 73.9%, P = .01). There were no significant differences between groups with respect to ipsilateral second ACL injury rates (ACL+AL Repair group, 3.8% and ACLR+LET group, 2.1% [n = 1]; P = .63). Conclusion: ACL+AL Repair yielded clinical outcomes that were noninferior to (or not significantly different from) ACLR+LET with respect to IKDC subjective, Tegner activity level, and Lysholm scores; knee laxity parameters; graft maturity; and rates of failure and reoperation. However, there were significant advantages of ACL+AL Repair, including a shorter duration of time to return to the preinjury level of sport, better FJS-12 values, and a higher proportion of patients achieving PASS for KOOS subdomains studied (Symptoms, Sport and Recreation, Quality of Life).

Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction Plus Lateral Extra-articular Tenodesis Has a Similar Return-to-Sport Rate to Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction Alone but a Lower Failure Rate

To determine whether the addition of lateral extra-articular tenodesis (LET) to anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) would improve return-to-sport (RTS) rates in young, active patients who play high-risk sports. This multicenter randomized controlled trial compared standard hamstring tendon ACLR with combined ACLR and LET using a strip of the iliotibial band (modified Lemaire technique). Patients aged 25 years or younger with an anterior cruciate ligament-deficient knee were included. Patients also had to meet 2 of the following criteria: (1) pivot-shift grade 2 or greater, (2) participation in a high-risk or pivoting sport, and (3) generalized ligamentous laxity. Time to return and level of RTS were determined via administration of a questionnaire at 24 months postoperatively. We randomized 618 patients in this study, 553 of whom played high-risk sports preoperatively. The proportion of patients who did not RTS was similar between the ACLR (11%) and ACLR-LET (14%) groups; however, the graft rupture rate was significantly different (11.2% in ACLR group vs 4.1% in ACLR-LET group, P= .004). The most cited reason for no RTS was lack of confidence and/or fear of reinjury. A stable knee was associated with nearly 2 times greater odds of returning to a high-level high-risk sport postoperatively (odds ratio, 1.92; 95% confidence interval, 1.11-3.35; P= .02). There were no significant differences in patient-reported functional outcomes or hop test results between groups (P > .05). Patients who returned to high-risk sports had better hamstring symmetry than those who did not RTS (P= .001). At 24 months postoperatively, patients who underwent ACLR plus LET had a similar RTS rate to those who underwent ACLR alone. Although the subgroup analysis did not show a statistically significant increase in RTS with the addition of LET, on returning, the addition of LET kept subjects playing longer by reducing graft failure rates. Level I, randomized controlled trial.

Adolescent Patients Experience Significantly Lower ACL Graft Rupture Rates When ACL Reconstruction is Combined with Lateral Extra-Articular Tenodesis: A Comparison Against Outcomes of Isolated ACL Reconstruction

Adolescent Patients Experience Significantly Lower ACL Graft Rupture Rates When ACL Reconstruction is Combined with Lateral Extra-Articular Tenodesis: A Comparison Against Outcomes of Isolated ACL Reconstruction

Autograft-Only and Allograft-Augmented Hamstring Autograft Have Similar Failure Rates After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction

PurposeTo compare failure rates and clinical outcomes after hamstring autograft anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction with and without allograft augmentation by a single surgeon otherwise using the same surgical technique.MethodsThis was a retrospective analysis with prospectively collected patient-reported outcomes of primary hamstring autograft ACL reconstruction with and without allograft augmentation performed in a military population by a single surgeon. The primary outcome measure was graft failure, defined as graft rupture confirmed by use of magnetic resonance imaging scans and/or revision ACL reconstruction. The secondary outcome measure was the postoperative Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score.ResultsThis study included 112 patients with a mean follow-up period of 65.3 months. In patients with a graft diameter of 8 mm or greater, there was no difference in failure rates (9.4% for autograft only vs 6.3% for hybrid, P = .59). There was a higher failure rate in patients in the autograft-only group with a graft diameter of less than 8 mm (29.4%) when compared with the hybrid graft group (6.3%, P = .008). There were no hybrid grafts less than 8 mm in diameter. There were no differences in the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score between groups as long as the graft diameter was 8 mm or greater.ConclusionsIn patients undergoing hamstring ACL reconstruction, there was no significant difference in graft failure rates or outcome scores between autograft only and autograft with allograft augmentation as long as grafts were 8 mm or greater. High failure rates were seen when the graft diameter was less than 8 mm.Level of EvidenceLevel III, retrospective cohort study. To compare failure rates and clinical outcomes after hamstring autograft anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction with and without allograft augmentation by a single surgeon otherwise using the same surgical technique. This was a retrospective analysis with prospectively collected patient-reported outcomes of primary hamstring autograft ACL reconstruction with and without allograft augmentation performed in a military population by a single surgeon. The primary outcome measure was graft failure, defined as graft rupture confirmed by use of magnetic resonance imaging scans and/or revision ACL reconstruction. The secondary outcome measure was the postoperative Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score. This study included 112 patients with a mean follow-up period of 65.3 months. In patients with a graft diameter of 8 mm or greater, there was no difference in failure rates (9.4% for autograft only vs 6.3% for hybrid, P = .59). There was a higher failure rate in patients in the autograft-only group with a graft diameter of less than 8 mm (29.4%) when compared with the hybrid graft group (6.3%, P = .008). There were no hybrid grafts less than 8 mm in diameter. There were no differences in the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score between groups as long as the graft diameter was 8 mm or greater. In patients undergoing hamstring ACL reconstruction, there was no significant difference in graft failure rates or outcome scores between autograft only and autograft with allograft augmentation as long as grafts were 8 mm or greater. High failure rates were seen when the graft diameter was less than 8 mm.

Single Femoral Tunnel for Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction With Bone-Patellar Tendon-Bone Graft and Lemaire's Extra-Articular Tenodesis as a Good Alternative for Combined Anterior Cruciate Ligament and Anterolateral Ligament Revision Surgeries

The literature has shown a significant decrease in failure rates when the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction was associated with an extra-articular reinforcement technique such as the anterolateral ligament (ALL) or the iliotibial band tenodesis (ITBT) using the modified Lemaire technique. As much as there is a progressive decrease in the failure rates of ACL reconstructions when the ALL reconstruction technique is associated, there are still and will be cases that will result in graft rupture. These cases will require more alternatives for revision, which are always challenging for the surgeon, where the lateral approaches represent complicating factors, especially because of the distortion of the lateral anatomy (by the previous approach for ALL reconstruction), previous reconstruction tunnels, and the presence of fixation materials. We present here a safe technique that offers great stability to the fixation of the graft and is easy to perform, using a single tunnel for the passage of the ACL and ITBT grafts, allowing a single fixation for both. In this way, we performed a lower-cost surgery, with a lower risk of lateral condyle fracture and tunnel confluence. This technique is indicated to be used in cases of revision after failure of combined ACL reconstruction with ALL.

Femoral-Physeal-Sparing ACL Reconstruction With Lateral Extra-articular Tenodesis and Inside-Out Repair of Lateral Meniscus in a Skeletally Immature Patient

Background: Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstructions in skeletally immature patients have an increased risk of graft failure and a decreased rate of successful return to sports. Anterior cruciate ligament reconstructions (ACLRs) combined with lateral extra-articular tenodesis (LET) procedures are reported to limit anterolateral rotary instability of the knee, decreasing tension on the ACL graft. However, the open physes found in pediatric patients present unique challenges for ACLR. This video demonstrates a technique to avoid the femoral physis and necessary precautions for performing an ACLR with LET in a skeletally immature patient. Indications: The indications for combined ACLR and LET, as opposed to ACLR alone, mainly center on the risk factors for graft failure. These include the following: posterior tibial slope &gt;12°, revision ACLR, high-grade pivot shift on physical examination, meniscal deficiency, generalized ligamentous hyperlaxity, and—especially pertinent to this procedure—skeletally immature patients. Technique Description: Standard plain radiographs and long-leg alignment films, along with a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) study, are necessary to assess for malalignment, bone age, and concomitant meniscal and chondral pathology. This technique describes the senior author’s preferred technique for pediatric ACLR with LET. The senior author’s preferred order of operations includes performing the autologous hamstring graft harvest and LET before performing the diagnostic arthroscopy. This is followed by the intra-articular work including the ACLR. It is also the senior author’s preference to perform physeal-sparing femoral tunnels, using fluoroscopy for tunnel placement. Results: Getgood et al reported that an ACLR with an LET in young patients with a high risk of graft failure had a significant reduction in graft rupture compared to an ACLR alone. Furthermore, Noyes et al reported a significantly lower rate of graft failure and a higher rate of return to sports in those who received LET in addition to ACLR compared with those who received ACLR alone. Discussion: An ACLR combined with an LET has been reported to reduce graft failure rates and improve clinical outcomes in high-risk patients. An ACLR with LET may also be considered in skeletally immature patients with appropriate indications and extra precautions to avoid growth arrest or deformity. Patient Consent Disclosure Statement: The author(s) attests that consent has been obtained from any patient(s) appearing in this publication. If the individual may be identifiable, the author(s) has included a statement of release or other written form of approval from the patient(s) with this submission for publication.

Cryopreserved Arterial Allografts Versus Rifampin-Soaked Dacron for the Treatment of Infected Aortic and Iliac Aneurysms

Infected aortic and iliac artery aneurysms are challenging to treat. Cryopreserved arterial allografts (CAAs) or rifampin-soaked Dacron (RSD) are standard options for in situ reconstruction. Our aim was to compare the safety and effectiveness of CAA versus RSD for these complex pathologies. This is a retrospective review of infected iliac, abdominal, and thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms treated with either CAAs or RSD between 2002 and 2022 at our institution. The diagnosis was confirmed by intraoperative, radiologic, or microbiological evidence of aortic infection. Perioperative events, 30-day and long-term mortality, reinfection, and reintervention were analyzed. Thirty patients (17 CAA, 13 RSD) with a mean age of 61 and 68years, respectively, were identified. The infected aneurysm was most commonly suprarenal or infrarenal. Culture-negative infections were present in 47% of the CAA group and 54% in the RSD group. Early major morbidity was 57% and 54% for the CAA and RSD, respectively. Thirty-day mortality was similar between groups (18% vs. 23% CAA vs. RSD, P ≥ 0.99). Median follow-up was longer in the RSD group (14.5months vs. 13months). Overall survival at 1 and 5years was 80.8% and 64.8% in the CAA group and 69.2% and 57.7% in the RSD group. Reinterventions only occurred with CAA repairs and indications included graft occlusion (2), multiple pseudoaneurysms and reinfection (1), and hemorrhagic shock caused by graft rupture (1). Freedom from reintervention at 1 and 3 years was 87.5% and 79.5% (CAA group) versus 100% and 100% (RSD, P=0.06). Freedom from reinfection at 1year was 100% in both groups, while at 3 years it was 90.9% for the CAA group and 100% for the RSD group (P=0.39). Infected aortic and iliac aneurysms have high early morbidity and mortality. CAA and RSD had similar outcomes in our series; CAA trended toward higher reintervention rates. Both remain viable options for complex scenarios but require close surveillance.

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.

Podium Presentation Title: Lateral Extra-Articular Procedures Significantly Reduce ACL Graft Rupture Rates in Elite Alpine Skiers

Podium Presentation Title: Lateral Extra-Articular Procedures Significantly Reduce ACL Graft Rupture Rates in Elite Alpine Skiers

Evaluation of Graft Ligamentization by MRI After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction

Background: The tendon graft used in anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) undergoes “ligamentization” after implantation, and the reported length of this process varies from 6 to 48 months. Some grafts have ruptured at subsequent follow-up evaluations. Although the progress of graft ligamentization can be followed with postoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for reassessment, it is not known whether a delay in ligamentization (as reflected by a higher signal of the graft) is associated with an increased chance of subsequent graft rupture. Hypothesis: Signal intensity of the graft on reassessment MRI (signal-noise quotient [SNQ]) would be associated with the incidence of future graft rupture at subsequent follow-up. Study Design: Case-control study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: A total of 565 ACLRs with intact graft on first-time reassessment MRI after surgery were followed for a mean period of 67 months. The rates of 1-year and 2-year follow-up were 99.5% and 84.5%, respectively. The signal intensity of the intact graft on the first-time reassessment MRI was evaluated (1) quantitatively by the SNQ and (2) qualitatively with the modified Ahn classification. Among the 565 ACLRs, 23 additional graft ruptures developed during a time interval of 7 months to 9 years after the surgery. Results: Higher SNQ was associated with increased chance of subsequent graft rupture (SNQ 7.3 ± 6 for subsequent graft rupture vs 4.4 ± 4 for grafts without subsequent rupture; P = .004, Mann-Whitney U test). The other important confounders that were associated with increased chance of graft rupture were younger age at the time of ACLR (P < .001) and longer follow-up time (P = .002). Multiple linear regression showed that all 3 factors (higher SNQ, younger age, and longer follow-up) were independent predictors of graft rupture (SNQ, P = .03; age, P < .001; follow-up, P = .012). When the reassessment MRI was performed in the second year after ACLR, the odds ratio of future graft rupture of a heterogeneous hyperintense graft when compared with a homogeneous hypointense graft was 12.1 (95% CI = 2.8 to 52.6) P < .001, Fisher exact test). Conclusion: Higher signal intensity of the intact graft on reassessment MRI (higher SNQ and heterogeneous hyperintense graft) was associated with increased chance of subsequent graft rupture.

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.

Treatment of Sports Injuries in Orthopedic Surgery: Recent Advances

This article reviews the most recent advances in the literature regarding orthopedic surgery for sports injuries. For large-to-massive rotator cuff tears, non-surgical treatment yielded superior results at three months to surgical treatment, although surgical treatment provided better results over time. Arthroscopic partial repair without a posterior interval slide yielded superior results to complete arthroscopic rotator cuff repair with a posterior interval slide. Graft bridging yielded superior results to superior capsular reconstruction. In first-time shoulder dislocations, arthroscopic Bankart repair has yielded superior results to arthroscopic washout. In high-grade acromioclavicular separation, a single clavicle tunnel tendon graft construct is preferable to a double tunnel construct. In femoroacetabular impingement, patients treated with hip arthroscopy had superior short-term results to those treated with physiotherapy alone. The odds of needing anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) graft revision were 2.1-fold higher for patients using a hamstring autograft than those using a patellar bone-tendon-bone (BTB) autograft. The use of a patellar tendon graft reduced the risk of graft rupture. The return-to-sports rate was higher for patients who underwent surgery with a BTB autograft than those with an autograft hamstring. The combination of lateral extra-articular tenodesis and ACL reconstruction-ACLR (single-bundle hamstring autograft) decreased the risk of ACLR failure after two years of follow-up. In complete mid-substance ACL injuries, the bridge-enhanced ACL repair technique resulted in similar outcomes to autograft ACLR. Fresh-frozen allografts have been a good alternative to autografts in ACLR. In posterior medial meniscal root tears, root repair was associated with less arthritic progression than non-surgical treatment and partial meniscectomy. Medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) reconstruction has provided better results than MPFL repair in patellofemoral instability.

Simultaneous anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction and implant-mediated guided growth to correct genu valgum in skeletally immature patients

ObjectivesAdolescents with anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears can present with concomitant lower extremity coronal plane angular deformity (CPAD) that both predispose to injury as well as may increase the risk of graft rupture following ACL reconstruction (ACLR). The goal of this study was to examine the safety and efficacy of concomitant ACLR with implant-mediated guided growth (IMGG) compared to isolated IMGG procedures in paediatric and adolescent patients. MethodsOperative records of all paediatric and adolescent patients (age ≤ 18 years) that underwent simultaneous ACLR and IMGG by one of two paediatric orthopaedic surgeons between 2015 and 2021 were retrospectively reviewed. A comparison cohort of isolated IMGG patients was identified and matched based on bone age within one year, sex, laterality, and fixation type (i.e. transphyseal screw vs. tension band plate and screw construct). Pre- and post-operative mechanical axis deviation (MAD), angular axis deviation (AAD), lateral distal femoral angle (LDFA), and medial proximal tibial angle (MPTA) were recorded. ResultsA total of 9 participants who underwent concomitant ACLR and IMGG (ACLR ​+ ​IMGG) were identified, with 7 of these participants meeting the final inclusion criteria. The participants had a median age of 12.7 (IQR ​= ​12.1 – 14.2) years and median bone age of 13.0 (IQR ​= ​12.0 – 14.0) years. Of the 7 participants that underwent ACLR and IMGG, 3 underwent a modified MacIntosh procedure with ITB autograft, 2 received quadriceps tendon autograft, and 1 underwent hamstring autograft reconstruction. There were no significant differences in the amount of correction obtained between ACLR ​+ ​IMGG and matched IMGG subjects with respect to any measurement variable (MAD difference: p ​= ​0.47, AAD difference: p ​= ​0.58, LDFA difference: p ​= ​0.27, MPTA difference: p ​= ​0.20). There were also no significant differences in alignment variables per unit time between cohorts (MAD/month: p ​= ​0.62, AAD/month ​= ​0.80, LDFA/month ​= ​0.27, MPTA/month ​= ​0.20). ConclusionThe results of the current study indicate that concomitant ACLR and lower extremity CPAD correction is a safe approach to treat CPAD concomitantly with ACLR in young patients who present with an acute ACL tear. Furthermore, one can expect reliable correction of CPAD after combined ACLR and IMGG, no different than the correction obtained in the setting of IMGG alone. Level of evidenceIII.

A Modified Lemaire Lateral Extra-articular Tenodesis in High-Risk Adolescents Undergoing Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction With Quadriceps Tendon Autograft: 2-Year Clinical Outcomes

Background: The incidence of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction (ACLR) in children and adolescents has increased significantly, and many such patients are at increased risk for ACL retear. Lateral extra-articular tenodesis (LET) may be performed in conjunction with ACLR to reduce the risk of ACL retear. Purpose: To evaluate the 2-year clinical outcomes of ACLR with soft tissue quadriceps tendon (QUAD) autograft performed with a concomitant LET using a modified Lemaire technique in skeletally immature patients. Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: A consecutive series of adolescent patients who underwent QUAD autograft ACLR and LET with a minimum of 2 years of follow-up data were analyzed retrospectively. ACLR techniques, including all-epiphyseal and complete transphyseal, were indicated based on skeletal age. Outcome measures included return to sports, concomitant or subsequent surgical procedures, and multiple patient-reported outcome measures, including Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation (SANE), Pediatric International Knee Documentation Committee (Pedi-IKDC), and Hospital for Special Surgery Pediatric Functional Activity Brief Scale (HSS Pedi-FABS) scores. Results: The final cohort included 49 consecutive adolescent patients aged 11 to 16 years (mean, 14.2 ± 1 years) with a minimum follow-up of 2 years. One patient was lost to follow-up. Of the patients included in the study (N = 48; 27 male, 21 female), 98% participated in high-risk competitive sports. Two (4%) patients were undergoing revision ACLR. Thirty-eight (79%) patients underwent complete transphyseal, and 10 (21%) patients underwent all-epiphyseal ACLR. Sixteen (33%) patients had subsequent surgical procedures, including 5 contralateral ACLR, 4 meniscal surgery, 4 QUAD autograft scar revision, 4 irrigation and debridement (2 patients, 2 each), and 3 hardware removal (2 for hemi-epiphysiodesis and 1 tibial socket button removal) procedures. The rate of graft rupture was 0%. At a mean follow-up of 3.4 ± 1.2 years (range, 2-7 range), the mean SANE score was 93, the mean Pedi-IKDC score was 89, and the mean HSS Pedi-FABS score was 23. The return-to-sports rate was 100%. Conclusion: An LET performed concomitantly with an ACLR is safe and should be considered as a concomitant procedure for adolescent patients with nonmodifiable risk factors who are at high risk of retear.