Clinical Outcome Evaluation of Anatomic Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction With Tunnel Positioning Using Gold Standard Techniques: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Analysis of Changing Practice Trends in Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: A Multicenter, Single-Institution Database Analysis

PURPOSE

To identify trends in anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR), including graft choice, femoral tunnel drilling techniques, and augmentation techniques, and to assess how various surgeon factors impact these trends.

METHODS

A retrospective review of primary ACLRs performed between 2014 and 2022 was completed using a multicenter institutional database. Patient demographic characteristics, graft type, femoral drilling technique, use of extra-articular tenodesis, and use of suture augmentation were recorded from the medical record. Surgeon fellowship training (sports trained vs non-sports trained), experience (high [minimum of 15 years in practice] vs low), and volume (high [minimum of 15 ACLRs/year] vs low) were used to stratify technique utilization. The z test for proportions was used to compare categorical variables. Pearson correlation analyses identified trends and assessed statistical significance, defined as P < .05.

RESULTS

Our cohort consisted of 2,032 ACLRs performed in 2,006 patients. The average patient age was 28.3 ± 11.6 years, with more procedures performed in male patients (67.3%). The average length of surgeon experience was 19.7 ± 11.4 years, with an average annual procedural volume of 4.0 ± 5.4 ACLRs. Most surgeons were sports trained (n = 55, 64.7%), high experience (n = 44, 57.1%), and low volume (n = 80, 94.1%). There was an increasing annual proportion of ACLRs performed by sports-trained surgeons (R = 0.748, P = .020) and low-experience surgeons (R = 0.940, P < .001). Autograft reconstructions were most often performed by sports-trained (71.2%), low-experience (66.1%), and high-volume (76.9%) surgeons. There was an increasing proportion of autograft ACLRs that used quadriceps tendon among sports-trained (R = 0.739, P = .023), high-experience (R = 0.768, P = .016), and low-volume (R = 0.785, P = .012) surgeons. Independent drilling techniques were used in an increasing proportion of ACLRs performed by non-sports-trained (R = 0.860, P = .003) and high-volume (R = 0.864, P = .003) surgeons. Augmentation of ACLR with concomitant suture augmentation (n = 24, 1.2%) or extra-articular tenodesis (n = 6, 0.3%) was rarely performed.

CONCLUSIONS

In our multicenter institution, the quadriceps tendon autograft has been increasingly used in ACLR by sports-trained, low-volume, and high-experience surgeons. Independent drilling techniques have been increasingly used by non-sports-trained and high-volume surgeons.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Surgeons must stay current with the literature that affects their procedures to ensure that evidence-based medicine is being practiced.

Management after acute injury of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). Part 3: Recommendation on surgical treatment

PURPOSE

The aim of this consensus project was to give recommendations regarding surgical treatment of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injured patient.

METHODS

For this consensus process, an expert, steering and rating group was formed. In an initial online meeting, the steering group, together with the expert group, formed various key topic complexes for which multiple questions were formulated. For each key topic, a structured literature search was performed by the steering group. The results of the literature review were sent to the rating group with the option to give anonymous comments until a final consensus voting was performed. Sufficient consensus was defined as 80% agreement.

RESULTS

During this consensus process, 30 topics regarding the surgical management and technique of ACL reconstruction were identified. The literature search for each key question resulted in 30 final statements. Of these 30 final statements, all achieved consensus.

CONCLUSIONS

This consensus process has shown that surgical treatment of ACL injury is a complex process. Various surgical factors influence patient outcomes. The proposed treatment algorithm can be used as a decision aid for the surgeon.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level V.

Anatomic Double-Bundle and Single-Bundle Reconstructions Yield Similar Outcomes Following Anterior Cruciate Ligament Rupture: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

PURPOSE

To evaluate outcomes of arthroscopic single-bundle (SB) versus anatomic double-bundle (ADB) anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) in adults through a synthesis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs). We hypothesized that SB and ADB methods would lead to similar outcomes after reconstruction of ACL rupture.

METHODS

The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses checklist guided our reporting. To identify RCTs that compared SB and ADB reconstructions, a thorough literature search was conducted of PubMed, Embase, Cochrane library, and Web of Science. The methodologic quality of each included study was independently assessed by 2 authors using the Cochrane Collaboration's risk of bias tool. The Anatomic ACL Reconstruction Scoring Checklist (AARSC) was used to screen the eligibility of each study's operative approaches. Twelve clinical outcomes were investigated through pooled analyses conducted using Review Manager 5.3.

RESULTS

This meta-analysis synthesized 13 RCTs comparing postoperative outcomes between ADB and SB reconstructions of ACLs. After a minimum follow-up of 12 months, ADB and SB technique resulted in similar subjective clinical outcomes, including the International Knee Documentation Committee subjective score, Lysholm score, Tegner activity score, and Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score sports subscale. Similarly, no statistically significant outcomes were found for objective outcomes such as International Knee Documentation Committee objective grade, pivot-shift test, Lachman test, side-to-side difference, extension deficit, flexion deficit, and osteoarthritis change. However, patients who underwent SB reconstruction had significantly greater complication rates than those that underwent ADB reconstruction.

CONCLUSIONS

When an ACLR approach meets a minimal total AARSC score of 8, ADB and SB techniques may result in similar subjective and objective outcomes, but the ADB technique may lead to lower complication rates following surgery. We recommend that surgeons favor ADB ACLR, as guided by the AARSC.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level I, systematic review and meta-analysis of Level I randomized controlled trials.

Double-bundle anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction in patients aged 60 years and older

Background

This study aimed to examine the clinical outcomes of double-bundle (DB) anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction in patients aged ≥60 years.

Methods

Anatomical DB-ACL reconstruction using hamstring tendon autografts was performed in 13 patients aged ≥60 years at our institution between June 2012 and May 2018. The patients included seven men and six women, and the mean age at surgery was 65.0 years (range, 60-73 years). The mean time from injury to surgery was 80.5 months (range, 1-480 months), and the mean follow-up time was 26.2 months (range, 24-42 months). All patients were assessed based on physical examination findings, clinical scores, Kellgren-Lawrence grades preoperatively and at the final postoperative follow-up, intraoperative meniscal or chondral lesions, and perioperative complications. Status of returning to sports for all patients was assessed at the final follow-up.

Results

The mean side-to-side differences by arthrometer improved from 4.3 mm (range, 2-8 mm) to 0.9 mm (range, 0-2 mm), and the positive pivot-shift test decreased from 100% to 8%. The mean extensor muscle strength was 93.3% (range, 74-116%) postoperatively. The mean Lysholm score improved from 71.1 (range, 27-85) to 95.2 (range, 89-100). Ten of the 13 patients (77%) returned to their pre-injury level of sports performance, and one patient (8%) returned to sports with less intensity. Intraoperatively, meniscal tears were observed in 10 patients (77%), and chondral lesions >grade 2 were observed in 11 (85%). One patient developed perioperative complications. At the final follow-up, the Kellgren-Lawrence grade worsened in only one patient. No re-injury or infection was observed, and revision surgery was not required for any patients.

Conclusions

Anatomical DB-ACL reconstruction could provide satisfactory clinical outcomes and knee function restoration in patients aged ≥60 years.

Level of evidence

A retrospective study, case series (IV).

Usefulness of 3-Dimensional Computed Tomography Assessment of Femoral Tunnel after Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction

Positioning of the femoral tunnel during anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction is the most crucial factor for successful procedure. Owing to the inter-individual variability in the intra-articular anatomy, it can be challenging to obtain precise tunnel placement and ensure consistent results. Currently, the three-dimensional (3D) reconstruction of computed tomography (CT) scans is considered the best method for determining whether femoral tunnels are positioned correctly. Postoperative 3D-CT feedback can improve the accuracy of femoral tunnel placement. Precise tunnel formation obtained through feedback has a positive effect on graft maturation, graft failure, and clinical outcomes after surgery. However, even if femoral tunnel placement on 3D CT is appropriate, we should recognize that acute graft bending negatively affects surgical results. This review aimed to discuss the implementation of 3D-CT evaluation for predicting postoperative outcomes following ACL re-construction. Reviewing research that has performed 3D CT evaluations after ACL reconstruction can provide clinically significant evidence of the formation of ideal tunnels following anatomic ACL reconstruction.

Excellent short-term results of dome-shaped high tibial osteotomy combined with all-inside anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction

PURPOSE

This study aimed to evaluate short-term outcomes at least 2 years after dome-shaped high tibial osteotomy (HTO) combined with all-inside anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACL) in patients with persistent ACL insufficiency accompanied by pain due to varus deformity.

METHODS

The study enrolled 19 knees of 18 patients. The mean age was 58.4 ± 13.4 years and the mean postoperative follow-up period was 31.4 ± 6.6 months (24-49 months). JOA(Japanese Orthopaedic Association)-OA(osteoarthritis) score, Lysholm score, radiographic outcomes such as femoro-tibia angle (FTA) in a standing position, side-to-side difference in KT-1000 measurements were evaluated at pre op. and post operative final follow up. And arthroscopic evaluation was evaluated at the time of the HTO plate-removal procedure.

RESULTS

Before surgery, the mean JOA-OA score was 65.0 ± 13.5, the mean Lysholm score was 47.2 ± 16.2, the mean femoro-tibia angle (FTA) in a standing position was 183.8 ± 3.4° (range;180-190°), and the mean side-to-side difference in KT-1000 measurements was 4.1 ± 1.3 mm. After surgery, the mean JOA-OA score, Lysholm score, and side-to-side difference in KT-1000 measurements improved to 93.1 ± 6.0 (P < 0.00001), 94.2 ± 5.9 (P < 0.00001), and -0.2 ± 0.8 mm (P < 0.00001), respectively. The mean FTA decreased to 168.0 ± 3.3 (P < 0.00001), and the mean posterior tibial slope angle decreased to 5.0 ± 3.6° from 6.9 ± 2.6° preoperatively (P = 0.024). Arthroscopic evaluation during the HTO plate-removal procedure of 17 knees were performed at a mean of 16 months after the surgery. The reconstructed ACL graft in 13 knees were successful, a cyclops lesion in one knee, and looseness of the graft in three knees.

CONCLUSIONS

Dome-shaped HTO allows for a relatively high degree of varus correction and decreases the steep posterior tibial slope that causes excessive load on the ACL. Therefore, its use in combination with ACL reconstruction seems to be effective.

Femoral Tunnel Geometry and Graft Inclination Angles in Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction Using a Flexible Reamer System

Background and Objectives: The aim of this study is to investigate the femoral tunnel geometry (femoral tunsnel location, femoral graft bending angle, and femoral tunnel length) on three-dimensional (3D) computed tomography (CT) and graft inclination on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) after anatomic anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction using a flexible reamer system. Materials and Methods: A total of 60 patients who underwent anatomical ACL reconstruction (ACLR) using a flexible reamer system were retrospectively reviewed. One day after the ACLR procedure was performed, all patients underwent three-dimensional computed tomography (3D-CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The femoral tunnel location, femoral graft bending angle, femoral tunnel length, and graft inclination were assessed. Results: In the 3D-CTs, the femoral tunnel was located at 29.7 ± 4.4% in the posterior to anterior (deep to shallow) direction and at 24.1 ± 5.9% in the proximal to distal (high to low) direction. The mean femoral graft bending angle was 113.9 ± 5.7°, and the mean femoral tunnel length was 35.2 ± 3.1 mm. Posterior wall breakage was observed in five patients (8.3%). In the MRIs, the mean coronal graft inclination was 69.2 ± 4.7°, and the mean sagittal graft inclination was 52.4 ± 4.6°. The results of this study demonstrated that a comparable femoral graft bending angle and longer femoral tunnel length were observed compared with the reported outcomes from previous studies that used the rigid reamer system. Conclusions: ACLR using a flexible reamer system allowed for an anatomic femoral tunnel location and a comparable graft inclination to that of the native ACL. In addition, it achieved a tolerable femoral graft bending angle and femoral tunnel length.

Restoring rotational stability following anterior cruciate ligament surgery: single-bundle reconstruction combined with lateral extra-articular tenodesis versus double-bundle reconstruction

Aim: To compare the outcomes of patients who underwent single-bundle (SB) anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction combined with lateral extra-articular tenodesis (LET) with the outcomes of those who underwent double-bundle (DB) ACL reconstruction. Methods: 16 patients who underwent ACL hamstring SB reconstruction combined with LET (Coker-Arnold modification of the MacIntosh procedure) were retrospectively compared with 20 patients who underwent hamstring DB reconstruction at an average follow-up of 6.2 years. Assessment included Lysholm and International Knee Documentation Committee scores, objective examination and instrumented laxity test. Results: No complications were reported. Mean Lysholm and International Knee Documentation Committee scores significantly increased from preoperatively (p < 0.05). No differences were reported between the two groups with regard to point scales, anterior tibial translation and pivot-shift test (p = not significant). Conclusions: Both DB ACL reconstruction and combined LET and autologous hamstring SB ACL reconstruction are effective at providing satisfying functional outcomes and restoring rotational stability.

Posteriorly positioned femoral grafts decrease long-term failure in anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction, femoral and tibial graft positions did not affect long-term reported outcome

PURPOSE

To investigate the effect that femoral and tibial tunnel positions have on long-term reported and clinical outcome and to identify a safe zone based on favourable outcome.

METHODS

Seventy-eight patients from a previous randomised controlled trial were included and were followed with a mean follow-up of 11.4 years. All patients had primary trans-tibial anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction performed. The femoral and tibial tunnel positions were visualised and translated in percentages with three-dimensional computed tomography post-operatively. There were 3 separate outcome variables: patient-reported outcome measured with the IKDC Subjective Knee Form, overall failure, and radiographic osteoarthritis. The correlation between tunnel aperture positions and outcome was determined with multivariate regression. The area with best outcome was defined as the safe zone and was determined with Youden's index in conjunction with receiver operating characteristics.

RESULTS

No significant relationship was found between tunnel aperture positions and IKDC Subjective Knee Form at 10-year follow-up. The posterior-to-anterior femoral tunnel aperture position parallel to Blumensaat line showed a significant relationship (p = 0.03) to overall failure at 10-year follow-up. The mean posterior-to-anterior tunnel position of the group that did not fail was 37.7% compared to 44.1% in the overall failure group. Femoral tunnel apertures placed further anteriorly had more overall failures at long-term. The cut-off point lies at 35.0% from posterior-to-anterior parallel to Blumensaat. Of the 16 overall failures, 15 (93.8%) were placed further anteriorly than the cut-off point. No significant relationship was found between tunnel aperture positions and radiographic osteoarthritis.

CONCLUSION

Femoral and tibial tunnel positions were not associated with long-term patient-reported outcome and radiographic osteoarthritis. Long-term overall failure was more frequently seen in patients with a more anteriorly placed femoral tunnel. This study identified a safe zone located at the most posterior 35% of the femoral condyle parallel to Blumensaat. This knowledge offers guidance to surgeons to operate more precisely and accurately and reconstruct a long-lasting graft.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III.