BACKGROUND

Lateral extra-articular procedures in association with anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction can act as a protection against undesired loads occurring in the early postoperative phase. The purpose of the present study was to retrospectively review the clinical outcome of contralateral hamstring tendon autografts with extra-articular tenodesis for ACL revision surgery in skeletally mature patients under 25 years of age, specifically with respect to patient satisfaction, return to preinjury activity level and postoperative functional outcome.

METHODS

In this study 9 patients (<25 years old at surgery) who underwent ACL revision surgery using contralateral hamstring tendon autografts and extra-articular tenodesis were contacted and retrospectively reviewed at an average follow-up of 3.6 years (range 2-7 years). The Tegner activity scale, Lysholm knee score and International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) questionnaire were used. Objective evaluation included range of motion, Lachmann test, pivot-shift test and KT-1000 instrumented laxity testing.

RESULTS

No cases of re-rupture were observed. The Lysholm knee score as well as the IKDC score improved at follow-up reaching a mean value of 87.9 and 85.6, respectively, with a statistically significant improvement compared to preoperative status (p < 0.001). In terms of knee stability anterior tibial translation has changed from a preoperative mean value of 5.4 mm to a postoperative value of 2.9 mm, which was statistically significant (p < 0.001). No subjective loss of motion or strength of the contralateral knee, rotational injuries following tendon harvesting or significant morbidity at follow-up were reported.

CONCLUSION

Revision ACL reconstruction with contralateral hamstrings and associated extra-articular tenodesis provides satisfying subjective outcomes and restores knee stability in skeletally mature patients under 25 years of age.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

IV.