One-Stage Anatomical Revision Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: Results According to Tunnel Overlaps

One-stage anterior cruciate ligament revision surgery after primary failed double-bundle reconstruction: a systematic review

INTRODUCTION

Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) revision surgery after failed double-bundle (DB) reconstruction is a challenging procedure. This study aimed to systematically review the research on ACL revision surgery following failed DB reconstruction, providing an overview on indications, surgical techniques, clinical outcomes and potential pitfalls occurring while performing this therapeutic approach.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Literature published from exception to February 2023 was searched in the Pubmed/MEDLINE, Embase and CINAHL databases. Studies in English reporting on patients who underwent ACL revision surgery after prior failed DB reconstruction were considered. Review articles and expert opinion or editorial pieces were excluded. Outcomes of interest included indications and pre-operative planning, surgical technique and associated procedures, type of revision surgery (either one- or two-stage), graft choice, clinical and functional outcomes, rate of complications, failure rate.

RESULTS

Overall, 4 studies met all the inclusion criteria for this review. All were published between 2007 and 2020. The search resulted in two retrospective comparative studies, one case series, and one case report. Average follow-up periods ranged from 24 to 45 months. From these studies, 66 patients (66 knees) were identified. One-stage revision surgery was performed in 64 on 66 patients (97%) with pathologic laxity following DB ACL reconstruction. Most frequently reported outcome was Lysholm score in five studies: average postoperative Lysholm score ranged from 90.5 to 91.0 while Tegner activity level ranged from 5.6 to 7.0. In 4 patients (6%) re-revision surgery was performed due to graft re-rupture.

CONCLUSIONS

One-stage ACL revision surgery following DB ACL reconstruction appears feasible providing satisfying outcomes and limited complications. The literature on this subject is limited and further comparative studies reporting long-term outcomes are needed, as high-level studies on this topic are still lacking.

Two-Stage Revision Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction with Cannulated Allograft Bone Dowels Soaked in Bone Marrow Aspirate Concentrate

Anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) is one of the most common orthopedic procedures performed each year. The majority of patients undergoing these reconstructions will experience long-term stability and symptomatic relief; however, some will require a revision ACLR procedure. In general, revision ACLRs are more challenging than primary ACLRs due to several diagnostic and technical considerations. A revision ACLR can be performed with either a one-stage or two-stage procedure, which is based on the presence or absence of malpositioned tunnels, bone loss, and tunnel expansion. Recently, the introduction of preshaped allograft bone dowels as a bone grafting option has gained popularity. They provide immediate structural stability and avoid donor site morbidity associated with autografts. The purpose of this article is to outline a bone-grafting tunnel technique with cannulated allograft bone dowels soaked in bone marrow aspirate concentrate (BMAC) used in the first stage of a staged revision ACLR procedure.

Editorial Commentary: Anterior Cruciate Ligament Tunnel Aperture Overlap Determines Need for 1- Versus 2-Stage Revision: Setting the Stage

Despite general agreement that tunnel widening ≥14 mm necessitates a 2-stage approach for revision anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction, there is very little literature describing the effect of tunnel overlap between the previous tunnel and new tunnel with 1-stage ACL revisions. Tunnel overlap, particularly at the aperture, should be minimized without compromising anatomic tunnel location(s). This can often be accomplished with a 1-stage revision, but 2-stage revisions are sometimes required. Revision ACL reconstruction can be challenging and it is helpful for the surgeon to carefully plan preoperatively and have several options available to him/her intraoperatively, including the possibility of a 2-stage revision.