Patient-Reported Outcomes After Multiple-Revision ACL Reconstruction: Good but Not Great

Combined tibial deflexion osteotomy and anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction improves knee function and stability: A systematic review

IMPORTANCE

Patients with excessive posterior tibial slope (PTS) may have higher risks of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction (ACL-R) failure, and clinical outcomes after revision of ACL-R procedures are typically poor.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to perform a systematic review of the literature summarizing the clinical and radiological outcomes of the surgical treatment of ACL insufficiency in the setting of excessive PTS using a tibial deflexion osteotomy combined with ACL-R.

EVIDENCE REVIEW

A systematic review of the literature was performed using PubMed, Cochrane Library, and OVID Medline databases from 1990 to present. Inclusion criteria were studies of outcomes of isolated tibial deflexion osteotomies performed with primary or revision ACL-R in the English language. Data extracted included study demographic information, type of tibial deflexion osteotomy and concomitant procedures, radiological outcomes, patient-reported outcome scores, and postoperative complications.

FINDINGS

Six studies, with 133 knees were identified. All included studies were retrospective case series, with a weighted mean follow-up of 3.39 years. In 106 of 133 (79.7%) knees, tibial deflexion osteotomy was performed concomitantly with an ACL-R, whereas in 27 of 133 (20.3%) knees, the procedures were staged. 22, 45, and 66 of 133 knees (16.5%, 33.8%, and 49.6%) underwent primary, first revision, and second or greater revision ACL-R, respectively. Three of 133 (2.25%) knees demonstrated recurrent ACL graft failure at the final follow-up. On average, PTS decreased from 15.2° preoperatively to 7.1° postoperatively. The mean International Knee Documentation Committee, Lysholm, and Tegner scores increased from 42.5, 46.4, and 4.2 preoperatively to 71.8, 89.0, and 6.7 postoperatively.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of this review suggest that combined ACL-R and tibial deflexion osteotomy may be effective in decreasing PTS and improving knee function and stability.

STUDY DESIGN

Systematic Review; Level of evidence 4.

An Update on Emerging Techniques and Considerations in Revision Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction

» The rate of primary anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) failure in at-risk populations remains unacceptably high and necessitates thorough evaluation of native alignment and concomitant injuries.» Posterior tibial slope of >12° is a substantial risk factor of ACLR failure and should be corrected through anterior closing wedge osteotomy.» Varus malalignment of >5° exacerbates stress on the ACL graft, increases ACLR failure risks, and should be considered for correction through high tibial osteotomy at the time of revision ACLR.» Injuries to the anterolateral ligamentous complex are prevalent in ACL ruptures, and high-risk patients have shown benefit from anterolateral ligament reconstruction or lateral extra-articular tenodesis in the revision setting.» Addressing posterolateral corner, collateral ligament, and meniscal injuries, during revision ACLR, is vital to mitigate increased graft forces and optimize knee stability and functional outcomes.

Inconsistent Return to Sport Despite Improved Outcomes After Re-revision Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: An Updated Systematic Review

PURPOSE

To systematically review the literature evaluating patient-reported outcomes and return to sport after re-revision anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) procedures. The secondary objectives were 2-fold: to identify the risk factors that lead to revision ACLR failure and to assess the secondary knee structure injuries after the initial revision ACLR.

METHODS

A systematic review of the literature was performed using the MEDLINE/PubMed and Cochrane databases. The inclusion criteria were outcomes of re-revision ACLR, minimum of 2 years' follow-up, human studies, and English language. Basic science articles, epidemiologic studies, editorials, surgical technique articles, surveys, cadaveric studies, and animal studies were excluded.

RESULTS

Fifteen studies met the inclusion criteria and were considered for review. There were 6 Level III and 9 Level IV studies that included 399 patients undergoing re-revision ACLR. The rate of concomitant meniscal lesions at the time of re-revision ranged from 35% to 90%. The prevalence of concomitant cartilaginous lesions at the time of re-revision ranged from 13.6% to 90%. Compared with preoperative scores, patient-reported outcomes overall improved after re-revision ACLR, with mean preoperative Lysholm scores ranging from 38.4 to 73.15 that improved to postoperative scores ranging from 68 to 87.8. However, return to sport at preinjury levels was inconsistent, with rates ranging from 12.5% to 80%.

CONCLUSIONS

Re-revision ACLR was found to restore knee stability and improve functional outcomes. Despite this improvement, there was a low rate of return to sport at the preinjury level. Functional outcomes were also inferior when compared with primary ACLR. In addition, concomitant knee pathologies were found to rise in prevalence compared with revision and primary ACLR cases.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level IV, systematic review of Level III and IV studies.

Quadriceps Tendon Autograft ACL Reconstruction With Suture Tape Augmentation: Safe Results Based on Minimum 2-Year Follow-up MRI

Background

The potential intra-articular effects of ≥1 year after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) with independent suture tape augmentation (STA) are not fully understood.

Purpose

To investigate whether incorporating suture tape in an all-soft tissue quadriceps tendon autograft (QTA) ACLR leads to satisfactory patient outcomes while having no intra-articular side effects as determined by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Study Design

Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods

Included were 25 patients with a mean age of 19.9 years (95% CI, 17.3-22.5 years) who underwent QTA ACLR with STA between 2016 and 2019. All patients underwent MRI at ≥1 year postoperatively and had at least a 2-year follow-up (mean, 28 months [95% CI, 26.5-29.5 months]) that included physical examination with anterior laxity testing with KT-1000 arthrometer, radiographs, and patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs). At the final follow-up, the minimal clinically important difference (MCID) and the Patient Acceptable Symptom State (PASS) for applicable PROMs were applied to each patient. Postoperative graft and joint integrity were assessed using the Howell classification and the MRI Osteoarthritis Knee Score (MOAKS) joint effusion/synovitis grade. The Mann-Whitney U test for continuous variables and the chi-square or the Fisher exact test for categorical variables were used for statistical analyses.

Results

The MRI assessment of the grafts demonstrated intact grafts in all patients. Overall, 96% of patients demonstrated grades 0 or 1 MOAKS for joint effusion/synovitis. All patient outcomes significantly improved from preoperatively to the final follow-up (P < .001), except for the Marx score, which decreased significantly (14.2 [95% CI, 12.7-15.8] vs 9.72 [95% CI, 7.3-12.2]; P = .0014). At least 68% of the patients achieved the MCID threshold, and 92% achieved the PASS threshold for all applicable PROMs.

Conclusion

QTA ACLR with STA did not demonstrate adverse intra-articular changes on MRI at ≥1 year postoperatively. In addition, STA did not appear to negatively affect PROMs.

Primary Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction with Suture Tape Augmentation: A Case Series of 252 Patients

Anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) using suture tape augmentation to internally brace is a relatively new technique. The primary goal of this study was to prospectively collect patient-reported outcomes (PROs) and surgical history from patients who underwent primary ACLR with internal bracing to determine if internal bracing resulted in a low graft failure rate while maintaining acceptable PROs. A total of 252 patients with a mean age of 23.6 years (95% confidence interval [CI]: 22.1-25.1) and a mean follow-up of 37.9 months (95% CI: 35.8-40.0) were included in this study. Patients who underwent primary ACLR with internal brace augmentation between July 12, 2016 and July 31, 2021 were eligible. A total of 222 patients were contacted via telephone and administered the visual analog scale (VAS), the single assessment numeric evaluation (SANE), the Lysholm knee score scale, and, if applicable, the short version ACL return to sport after injury (SV-ACL-RSI) survey. Additionally, patients were asked to give an updated orthopaedic history. Thirty additional patients were included from either our institution's registry or by completing their surveys in-office or by e-mail. The minimal clinically important difference (MCID) and patient-acceptable symptom states (PASS) were calculated based on our patient population and applied to each individual patient. The patients' electronic health record (EHR) was searched for pre- and postoperative clinical data including KT-1000 arthrometer measurements. Two patients (0.8%) had subsequent graft failures and one patient (0.4%) required a revision surgery. MCID was achieved in 242 patients (96.0%) for the Lysholm, 227 patients (90.1%) for the SANE, and 146 patients (57.9%) for the VAS. PASS was achieved in 214 patients (84.9%) for the Lysholm, 198 patients (78.6%) for the SANE, and 199 (80.0%) patients for the VAS, postoperatively. Of note, 65 patients (25.8%) exceeded the PASS threshold for the VAS preoperatively. A total of 127 patients (84.4%) met the cutoff of ≥60/100 for the SV-ACL-RSI survey postoperatively. Postoperative KT-1000 measurements showed near-identical side-to-side differences at both the 13.6-kg pull and manual maximum pull. When stratifying patients based on age at the time of surgery, it was noted that patients younger than 25 years had significantly higher SANE scores (91.6 [95% CI: 90.2-92.9] vs. 82.6 [95% CI: 79.0-86.2]; p < 0.0001) and lower VAS pain scores (0.7 [95% CI: 0.5-0.8] vs. 1.2 [95% CI: 0.8-1.5]; p = 0.004). Primary ACLR with internal bracing led to acceptable patient outcomes and a graft failure rate of less than 1%. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE:: case series, IV.

Comparison of Improvement in Patient-Reported Knee Function After Revision and Multiple-Revision ACL Reconstruction Compared With Primary ACL Reconstruction

Background

Graft failure after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) is a debilitating complication often requiring revision surgery. It is widely agreed upon that functional knee outcomes after revision ACLR (r-ACLR) are inferior compared with those after primary reconstruction. However, data are scarce on outcomes after multiple-revision ACLR (mr-ACLR).

Purpose

To compare patient-reported knee function in terms of Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) preoperatively and 1-year postoperatively after primary ACLR, r-ACLR, and mr-ACLR and evaluate the pre- to postoperative improvement in KOOS scores for each procedure.

Study Design

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods

Patients from the Swedish National Knee Ligament Registry who underwent their index ACLR between 2005 and 2020 with a minimum age of 15 years at the time of surgery were included in this study. All patients had pre- and postoperative KOOS data. The 1-year postoperative KOOS and the pre- to postoperative changes in KOOS were assessed between patients who underwent primary ACLR and those who underwent subsequent r-ACLR and mr-ACLR.

Results

Of 20,542 included patients, 19,769 (96.2%) underwent primary ACLR, 760 (3.7%) underwent r-ACLR, and 13 (0.06%) underwent mr-ACLR. Patients who underwent r-ACLR had significantly smaller pre- to postoperative changes on all KOOS subscales compared with patients undergoing primary ACLR (P < .0001 for all). Furthermore, patients in the mr-ACLR group had significantly smaller changes in the KOOS-Pain subscale compared with patients in the r-ACLR group (-9 ± 23.3 vs 2.5 ± 18; P = .024).

Conclusion

The study results indicated that while improvement is seen after primary ACLR, r-ACLR, and mr-ACLR, the greatest improvement in functional outcomes is observed after primary ACLR. Patients who underwent at least 1 r-ACLR, specifically mr-ACLR, had lower postoperative outcome scores, indicating that primary ACLR may provide the best chance for recovery after ACL injury.

Outcomes of Slope-Reducing Proximal Tibial Osteotomy Combined With a Third Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction Procedure With a Focus on Return to Impact Sports

BACKGROUND

An increased posterior tibial slope (PTS) is a proven risk factor for both native anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and ACL graft insufficiency. Anterior closing wedge high tibial osteotomy (ACW-HTO) for PTS correction is a validated procedure in revision ACL reconstruction (ACLR).

PURPOSE/HYPOTHESIS

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of combined ACW-HTO and at least a second revision ACLR procedure on knee stability, function, and sports performance in a large series of patients. The hypothesis was that patients would return to impact sports after ACW-HTO combined with a second or third revision ACLR procedure.

STUDY DESIGN

Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

METHODS

A total of 64 patients who underwent a second (or more) revision ACLR procedure and ACW-HTO between June 1, 2015, and June 1, 2019, and had a PTS >12° were included. The mean age was 29.60 ± 6.31 years, and the mean preoperative PTS was 13.79°± 1.50°. The cases were analyzed at a mean follow-up of 2.96 ± 0.83 years (range, 2-5 years). At the last follow-up, the rate of patients returning to impact sports (based on the University of California, Los Angeles [UCLA], activity scale), ACL graft status (per magnetic resonance imaging), International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) scores, Lysholm scores, and laxity measurements using a knee arthrometer were recorded.

RESULTS

The total number of patients participating in impact sports and high-impact sports was as follows: 43 and 30, respectively, before the injury; 0 and 0, respectively, preoperatively; and 31 and 12, respectively, postoperatively. At the last follow-up, the UCLA score was ≥8 in 48.44% of the patients, and only 16 patients returned to their preinjury level of activity. At a minimum of 2 years of follow-up, there was clinical improvement in the IKDC score from 37.98 ± 12.48 preoperatively to 69.06 ± 12.30 postoperatively (P < .0001), in the Lysholm score from 51.94 ± 14.03 preoperatively to 74.45 ± 11.44 postoperatively (P < .001), and in the UCLA score. However, this clinical improvement did not equate to preinjury values for all outcome scores (P < .001). The preinjury IKDC and Lysholm scores were 76.98 ± 11.71 and 89.26 ± 8.91, respectively. The mean change in anterior knee laxity using a knee arthrometer at 134 and 250 N was -4.03 ± 0.18 mm and -3.63 ± 0.16, respectively. There were 3 cases of a rerupture with a severe pivot shift on the clinical examination. None of these patients underwent revision per the patient's preference. Increased knee recurvatum was observed in one-third of the patients, but all were asymptomatic.

CONCLUSION

In the setting of chronic ACL-deficient knees, PTS reduction (ACW-HTO) with revision ACLR restored knee stability and improved function with an acceptable rate of specific complications. Increased knee recurvatum was observed in one-third of the patients, but all were asymptomatic. Also, approximately half of the patients were able to return to impact sports.

First revision ACL reconstruction combined with tibial deflexion osteotomy improves clinical scores at 2 to 7 years follow-up

PURPOSE

To report outcomes of first revision anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) with tibial deflexion osteotomy (TDO) in patients with posterior tibial slope (PTS) >10° at >2 years.

METHODS

The authors studied outcomes of a consecutive series of 16 patients that underwent first revision ACLR with TDO, including Lysholm score, IKDC subjective and objective scores, Lachman test, PTS, and signs of osteoarthritis. One woman was excluded because of early signs of knee arthritis, as the first revision ACLR took place 27 years following the primary ACLR. This left a final cohort of 15 patients assessed at minimum follow-up of 2 years.

RESULTS

The final cohort comprised 14 men and 1 woman aged 25.3 ± 6.6 years (range 16-39) at first revision ACLR. At final follow-up of 4.4 ± 1.5 years (range, 2-7), PTS was corrected from 12.5 ± 1.8° (range 8-15°) to 1.9 ± 3.6° (range - 4 to 8°), and none of the knees had radiographic signs of osteoarthritis. Lysholm score was 83.8±12.5, IKDC subjective score was 80.3±16.2, and IKDC objective score was A in 5 (33%), and B in 10 (67%). The net improvement exceeded the minimal clinically important difference (MCID) in 93% of patients for the IKDC subjective score and in 80% of patients for the Lysholm score. None of the knees had any retears, and only one required a reoperation to re-suture a medial meniscal tear due to trauma.

CONCLUSION

At 2-7 years following revision ACLR combined with TDO, net improvement exceeded the MCID in 93% of patients for IKDC subjective score and in 80% of patients for Lysholm score, with no retears or major complications. These results suggest that TDO is a safe technique to protect the ACL graft and might be considered as of first revision ACLR to correct excessive PTS.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level IV.

Failure Rates and Complications After Multiple-Revision ACL Reconstruction: Comparison of the Over-the-Top and Transportal Drilling Techniques

Background

Multiple-revision anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) presents several technical challenges, often due to residual hardware, tunnel widening, malposition, or staged surgeries.

Purpose

To compare failure and complication rates between the over-the-top (OTT) and transportal drilling (TD) techniques in patients undergoing surgery for failed revision ACLR.

Study Design

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods

The medical records of patients with at least 2 revision ACLRs using either the OTT or TD technique were reviewed retrospectively. Data on patient demographics, graft characteristics, number of revisions, concomitant procedures, complications, and failures were collected. Between-group comparisons of continuous and categorical variables were conducted with the independent-samples t test and the Fisher exact or chi-square test, respectively.

Results

A total of 101 patients undergoing multiple-revision ACLR with OTT (n = 37, 37%) and TD (n = 64, 63%) techniques were included for analysis. The mean follow-up time was 60 months (range, 12-196 months). There were no significant differences in age, sex, body mass index, laterality, or follow-up length between groups (P > .05). Allograft was the graft used most frequently (n = 64; 67.3%) with no significant differences between groups in graft diameter (P > .05). There were no statistically significant differences between groups regarding rate of concurrent medial and lateral meniscus, cartilage, or lateral extra-articular procedures (P > .05). There was also no significant66 between-group difference in complication rate (OTT: n = 2 [5.4%]; TD: n = 8 [13%]) or graft failure rate (OTT: n = 4 [11%]; TD: n = 14 [22%]) (P > .05 for both).

Conclusion

The results of this study showed notably high failure and complication rates in challenging multiple-revision ACLR. Complication and failure rates were similar between techniques, demonstrating that the OTT technique is a valuable alternative that can be used in a revision ACLR, particularly as a single-stage approach when the single-stage TD technique is not possible.

Reduced Incidence of Revision Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction With Internal Brace Augmentation

Background

Revision rates and outcome measures after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) with suture tape as an internal brace is not well-documented because of the emerging nature of the technique.

Hypothesis

ACLR with internal bracing (IB) would lead to decreased revision ACLR compared with traditional ACLR while exhibiting comparable patient outcomes.

Study Design

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods

A total of 200 patients were included in this study. Patients aged between 13 and 39 years at the time of surgery who underwent primary autograft ACLR with IB between 2010 and 2020 and were enrolled in our institution's registry with a minimum of 2-year follow-up were identified and matched 1 to 1 with a non-internal brace (no-IB) group based on concomitant procedures and patient characteristics. Pre- and postoperatively, patients completed the Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score, Marx activity rating scale, Veterans RAND 12-Item Health Survey, and visual analog scale for pain. Knee laxity measurements via the KT-1000 arthrometer were included in the pre- and postoperative objective clinical assessments.

Results

A total of 100 IB patients were matched with 100 no-IB patients based primarily on concomitant procedures and secondarily on patient characteristics. The IB group underwent significantly fewer revision ACLRs (1% vs 8%; P = .017). Even though the no-IB group had a significantly longer mean final follow-up time (48.6 months [95% CI, 45.4-51.7] vs 33.4 months [95% CI, 30.3-36.5]; P < .001), the time elapsed from the original ACLR to the revision did not differ significantly between groups, and the mean ages for the IB and no-IB groups were comparable (19 vs 19.9 years). All postoperative patient-reported outcome scores between the 2 groups were comparable and significantly improved postoperatively except for the Marx score, which significantly decreased stepwise for both groups postoperatively. KT-1000 measurements significantly improved in both groups after surgery with the IB and no-IB cohorts yielding comparable results at the manual maximum pull (0.97 vs 0.65 mm).

Conclusion

ACLR with IB resulted in a significantly decreased risk of revision ACLRs while maintaining comparable patient-reported outcomes. Therefore, incorporating an internal brace into ACLR appears to be safe and effective within these study parameters.

Multiple revision anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: not the best but still good

PURPOSE

Given the paucity of literature on the re-revision of ACL, the current study was undertaken. The purpose of this systematic review was to synthesise and qualitatively assess the currently available evidence in the literature regarding the re-revision of ACL reconstruction (rrACLR).

METHODS

A systematic review was conducted based on the PRISMA guidelines. The following search terms were used in the title, abstract and keywords fields: "ACL" or "anterior cruciate ligament" AND "revision" or "multiple" or "repeat". The outcome data extracted from the studies were the Lysholm score, Subjective IKDC, Marx Score, Tegner, Marx Score, KOOS score, radiological changes and the rate of return to sports. Complications, failures and/or revision surgery were also analysed.

RESULTS

The cohort consisted of 295 patients [191 (64.7%) men and 104 (35.3%) women] with a mean age of 29.9 ± 2.8 years (range 14-58 years) from 10 studies. The mean postoperative follow-up (reported in all studies except one) was 66.9 ± 44.7 months (range 13-230.4 months). Associated injuries were 103 (34.9%) medial meniscus tears, 57 (19.3%) lateral meniscus tears, 14 (4.7%) combined medial plus lateral meniscus tears, 11 (3.7%) meniscal tears (not specified), 252 (85.4%) cartilage lesions, 6 (2.0%) medial collateral ligament injury and 2 (0.7%) lateral collateral ligament injuries. In 47 (15.9%) patients an extra-articular plasty was performed for the anterolateral ligament. In all studies that reported pre- and post-operative IKDC (subjective and objective) and Lysholm score, there was a significant improvement compared to the pre-operative value (p < 0.05). At the final follow-up, laxity measured with KT-1000 was found to be 2.2 ± 0.6 mm. 31 (10.5%) out of 295 patients returned to their pre-injury activity level. A total of 19 (6.4%) re-ruptures were found, while only 4 (1.4%) complications (all minors) were reported, out of which 2 (0.7%) were superficial infections, 1 (0.3%) cyclops lesion and 1 (0.3%) flexion loss.

CONCLUSION

Multiple revisions of anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction allow acceptable clinical results and a good degree of knee stability with a low rate of subsequent new re-ruptures but the possibility of regaining pre-injury sports activity is poor; whenever possible, it is preferred to revise the ligament in one stage. This surgery remains a challenge for orthopaedic surgeons and many doubts persist regarding the ideal grafts, additional extra-articular procedures and techniques to use.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

IV.

STUDY REGISTRATION

PROSPERO-CRD42022352164 ( https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/ ).

Return to Sport After Revision ACL Reconstruction: A Comparative Cohort Study of Outcomes After Single- Versus Multiple-Revision Surgeries

BACKGROUND

The return-to-sport rate at 2 years after multiple-revision anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstructions has not been evaluated.

HYPOTHESIS

It was hypothesized that patients who undergo multiple-revision ACL reconstructions would have a lower return-to-sport rate at 2 years after surgery than those who undergo a single-revision reconstruction. Furthermore, it was hypothesized that the multiple-revision group would have lower functional scores.

STUDY DESIGN

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3.

METHODS

A single-center cohort study in patients who underwent revision ACL reconstruction was begun in 2012. This study included 2 groups: Patients who underwent a single revision, and those who underwent multiple revisions. The main evaluation criterion was the return to sport at the 2-year follow-up. The secondary criteria were the International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC), Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS), Lysholm, and ACL-Return to Sport after Injury (ACL-RSI) functional knee scores at the 1- and 2-year follow-ups.

RESULTS

A total of 322 patients (single-revision group: n = 302; multiple-revision group: n = 20) were included. A significant difference in the percentage of patients who stopped all sports activity was found between the 2 groups at 2 years (single-revision group: 19.4%; multiple-revision group: 50%). The return-to-sport rate at the same or lower level of performance was higher in the single-revision group as well (17% vs 14.3% for return at the same level; 45.6% vs 14.3% for return at a lower level; P = .03). At the 2-year follow-up, the functional scores of the single-revision group were significantly higher those than in the multiple-revision group: IKDC (77.7 ± 13.82 vs 64.79 ± 15.22; P < .001), KOOS (72.66 ± 17.63 vs 52.5 ± 15.64; P < .001), Lysholm (84.05 ± 11.88 vs 72.5 ± 13.49; P < .001), and ACL-RSI (52.34 ± 21.83 vs 46.43 ± 14.8; P = .0036).

CONCLUSION

Only a small percentage of patients returned to the same level of sport after single- revision and multiple-revision ACL reconstruction, yet significantly more in the former. More patients who underwent multiple revisions gave up their sport. Functional scores were higher for single-revision than multiple-revision surgeries.

Could anterior closed-wedge high tibial osteotomy be a viable option in patients with high posterior tibial slope who undergo anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction? A systematic review and meta-analysis

PURPOSE

This study aims to examine the clinical and radiological outcomes of patients who underwent ACL reconstruction (ACLR) combined with anterior closed-wedge high tibial osteotomy (ACW-HTO) for posterior tibial slope (PTS) reduction to investigate the efficacy of this procedure in improving anterior knee stability and preventing graft failure in primary and revision ACLR.

METHODS

A literature search was conducted in six databases (PubMed, Embase, Medline, Web of Science, Cochrane, and Scopus). The study was performed according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guideline. The initial screening identified 1246 studies. Each eligible clinical article was screened according to the Oxford Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine 2011 levels of evidence (LoE), excluding clinical studies of LoE V. Quality assessment of the articles was performed using the ROBINS-I methodological evaluation. This systematic review and meta-analysis was registered on the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO). For the outcomes that were possible to perform a meta-analysis, a p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

RESULTS

Five clinical studies were included in the final analysis. A total of 110 patients were examined. Pre- and post-operative clinical and objective tests that assess anteroposterior knee stability, PTS, clinical scores, and data on surgical characteristics, complications, return to sports activity, and graft failure after ACLR were investigated. A meta-analysis was conducted using R software, version 4.1.3 (2022, R Core Team), for Lysholm score and PTS outcomes. A statistically significant improvement for both these clinical and radiological outcomes (p < 0.05) after the ACW-HTO surgical procedure was found.

CONCLUSION

ACLR combined with ACW-HTO restores knee stability and function with satisfactory clinical and radiological outcomes in patients with an anterior cruciate ligament injury associated with a high PTS and seems to have a protective effect from further ruptures on the reconstructed ACL.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level IV.

Slope-Reducing High Tibial Osteotomy and Over-The-Top Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction With Achilles Tendon Allograft in Multiple Failed Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction

Graft failure is a challenging complication following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACL-R). Among the multiple anatomic and nonanatomic risk factors contributing to ACL-R failure, there is accumulating evidence that a posterior tibial slope of 12° or greater may predispose patients to graft failure of primary and revision ACL-R. In addition, previously malpositioned or widened tunnels, as well as limited autograft options, pose challenges in the setting of revision ACL-R. This Technical Note describes a technique to correct an increased posterior tibial slope using slope-reducing high tibial osteotomy, and single stage revision ACL-R with Achilles tendon allograft using the over-the-top route, in a single-stage procedure. The surgical technique involves an anterior approach to the proximal tibia, followed by tibial tubercle osteotomy and anterior closing-wedge osteotomy. The posterior cortical osteotomy hinge is left intact below the insertion of the posterior cruciate ligament. Over-the-top revision ACL-R is then performed using an Achilles tendon allograft passed around the posterior aspect of the lateral femoral condyle and fixed onto the lateral femur.

Over-The-Top Technique for Revision ACL Reconstruction with Achilles Allograft and Associated Lateral Extra-articular Tenodesis

Revision anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACL-R) is made challenging by the frequent presence of rotatory instability, tunnel malpositioning and widening, and limited autograft options. Lateral extra-articular tenodesis (LET), alternative tunnel routing, and the use of allograft tissue can be used to manage these challenges. This Technical Note describes revision ACL-R using the over-the-top (OTT) technique with Achilles tendon allograft with concomitant LET. The surgical approach involves routing the graft around the posterior aspect of the lateral femoral condyle, and then deep to the iliotibial band to a site just medial to Gerdy's tubercle, with staple fixation on the lateral femur for the ACL-R and anterolateral tibia for the LET. The OTT technique with LET provides a versatile approach for the management of failed ACL-R by circumventing challenges in revision ACL-R and addressing rotatory instability, a contributing factor to prior graft failure.

Tibial slope correction combined with second revision ACLR grants good clinical outcomes and prevents graft rupture at 7-15-year follow-up

PURPOSE

To update previously published outcomes (at 2-8 years) of second revision anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) combined with tibial deflexion osteotomy (TDO), after an interval of 5 more years (at 7-15 years), and monitor evolution of clinical scores and progression of osteoarthritis.

METHODS

The initial retrospective consecutive series included nine patients that underwent one-stage second revision ACLR with TDO, all of whom were contacted for second follow-up at minimum 7 years. An independent observer collected IKDC-SKF, the Lysholm score, and assessed radiographs for signs of osteoarthritis.

RESULTS

Of the nine original patients, seven were assessed at the clinic, one could only be assessed by telephone, and one was lost to follow-up. At final follow-up of 9.9 ± 3.0 years, the eight patients assessed maintained or improved clinical scores, compared to the previous follow-up at 4.0 ± 2.9 years. The mean Lysholm score improved from 73.8 ± 5.8 (65-82) to 84.5 ± 11.9 (59-95), and IKDC improved from 71.6 ± 6.2 (62-79) to 82.9 ± 12.1 (61-98). Of the three patients that had signs of arthritis at the previous follow-up, the stage of osteoarthritis increased in one (from grade 2 to grade 3), remained unchanged in one, and could not be assessed in one.

CONCLUSION

At 7-15 years following second revision ACLR with TDO, patients maintained or improved clinical scores compared to the previous follow-up at 2-8 years, without retears or reoperations. Although eight of the nine knees had meniscectomies or meniscal sutures, osteoarthritis progressed in only one of the six knees that had signs of arthritis at the previous follow-up. These results confirm that TDO can protect the ACL graft from retear, with minimal progression of osteoarthritis and/or risks of meniscal tears, suggesting that correction of excessive tibial slope should be considered when performing ACLR, whether a revision or primary procedure.

Posterior Tibial Slope in Patients With Torn ACL Reconstruction Grafts Compared With Primary Tear or Native ACL: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Background:

Increased posterior tibial slope (PTS) is a risk factor for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) rupture and failure of ACL reconstruction (ACLR) grafts.

Purpose:

The purpose was to conduct a systematic review of literature on PTS measurements and to conduct a meta-analysis of comparable PTS measurements based on a patient’s ACL status. It was hypothesized that patients with torn ACLR grafts would have significantly larger medial and lateral PTS compared with patients with native ACLs or those who underwent primary ACLR.

Study Design:

Systematic review; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods:

A systematic review was performed using PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines. Included were studies that reported medial and/or lateral PTS measurements, those that reported PTS measurements based on ACL status (ie, intact ACL, primary ACL tear, failed ipsilateral ACLR, or revision ACLR), and those that reported their specific PTS measurement technique. Average PTS measurements, measurement location (medial or lateral tibial plateau) and technique, imaging modality used, and ACL status were extracted from each study. Data were pooled using DerSimonian and Laird random-effects models, and results were compared using the Altman interaction test.

Results:

The literature search identified 1705 studies, of which 82 (N = 12,971 patients) were included. There were 4028 patients in the intact ACL group (31%), 7405 in the primary ACLR group (57%), and 1538 in the failed ACLR group (12%). Measurements were obtained from lateral radiographs in 31 studies (38%), from magnetic resonance imaging in 47 studies (57%), and from computed tomography in 4 studies (5%). The failed ACLR group had a significantly larger lateral PTS (9.55°; 95% CI, 8.47°-10.63°) than either the primary ACL tear (7.13°; 95% CI, 6.58°-7.67°) or intact ACL (5.57°; 95% CI, 5.03°-6.11°) groups (P < .001 for both). The failed ACLR group also had a significantly larger medial PTS (9.05°; 95% CI, 7.80°-10.30°) than the primary (6.24°; 95% CI, 5.71°-6.78°) or intact ACL (6.28°; 95% CI, 5.21°-7.35°) groups (P < .001 for both).

Conclusion:

Both lateral and medial PTS measurements were greater in patients who had failed previous ACLR than those with a primary ACL tear or an intact native ACL. The lateral PTS of patients with primary ACL tears was greater than those with an intact native ACL.