Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstructions With Quadriceps Tendon Autograft Result in Lower Graft Rupture Rates but Similar Patient-Reported Outcomes as Compared With Hamstring Tendon Autograft: A Comparison of 875 Patients

2020 ◽  
Vol 48 (9) ◽  
pp. 2195-2204 ◽  
Author(s):  
Armin Runer ◽  
Robert Csapo ◽  
Caroline Hepperger ◽  
Mirco Herbort ◽  
Christian Hoser ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Revision Surgery ◽  
Cruciate Ligament ◽  
Quadriceps Tendon ◽  
Hamstring Tendon ◽  
Activity Level ◽  
Activity Levels ◽  
Acl Injuries ◽  
Graft Rupture ◽  
Patient Reported ◽  
Anterior Cruciate

Background: Graft rupture is a devastating outcome after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction (ACLR). Little is known about graft rupture rates as well as clinical and functional outcomes after ACLR with quadriceps tendon (QT) autografts. Purpose: To compare QT with hamstring tendon (HT) autografts in terms of the rates of graft and contralateral ACL rupture as well as patient-reported outcome measures. Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: All primary ACLRs performed between 2010 and 2016 were followed prospectively for 24 months through the recording of graft ruptures and contralateral ACL injuries as well as patient-administered questionnaires. Results: A total of 875 patients were included in the study. Three factors—graft type, age group, and activity level—had a significant value in predicting the need for revision surgery. The odds of revision surgery were 5.5 times greater in children younger than 15 years than in adults older than 45 years, 3.6 times greater in patients with high activity levels than low activity levels, and 2.7 times greater in patients receiving an HT autograft as compared with a QT autograft. A significantly higher rate of ipsilateral graft ruptures versus contralateral ACL injuries was observed in the HT group (4.9% vs 2.3%; odds ratio, 2.1; P = .01) but not in the QT group (2.8% vs 2.3%). The difference in the ratios of graft and contralateral ACL ruptures was even more pronounced in highly active patients treated with HT autografts (11.1% vs 4.2%; odds ratio, 2.6; P = .01) as compared with QT autografts (5.0% vs 2.8%; P = .48). Two-year measures of Lysholm scores (mean ± SD: QT, 86.0 ± 22.3; HT, 89.4 ± 16.4) and Tegner activity scores (QT, 6.1 ± 2.0; HT, 5.7 ± 1.9) as well as visual analog scale pain (QT, 0.8 ± 1.3; HT, 0.7 ± 1.1) did not differ between grafts. Conclusion: Graft choice does not influence clinical and functional outcomes 2 years after ACLR. However, 3 factors—graft type, age group, and activity level—have a significant value in predicting the need for revision surgery. Patients treated with HT autografts have a significantly higher, activity-dependent risk of revision surgery and experience more ipsilateral graft ruptures than subsequent contralateral ACL injuries when compared with patients treated with QT autografts. Young age and high activity level are significant predictors for ACL revision surgery.

scholarly journals Predictors of Patient-Reported Outcomes at 2 Years After Revision Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction

2019 ◽  
Vol 47 (10) ◽  
pp. 2394-2401 ◽  
Author(s):  
◽  
Rick W. Wright ◽  
Laura J. Huston ◽  
Amanda K. Haas ◽  
Christina R. Allen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Acl Reconstruction ◽  
Revision Surgery ◽  
Cruciate Ligament ◽  
Activity Level ◽  
Activity Levels ◽  
High Baseline ◽  
Revision Acl Reconstruction ◽  
Patient Reported ◽  
Lateral Meniscectomy ◽  
Anterior Cruciate

Background: Patient-reported outcomes (PROs) are a valid measure of results after revision anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. Revision ACL reconstruction has been documented to have worse outcomes when compared with primary ACL reconstruction. Understanding positive and negative predictors of PROs will allow surgeons to modify and potentially improve outcome for patients. Purpose/Hypothesis: The purpose was to describe PROs after revision ACL reconstruction and test the hypothesis that patient- and technique-specific variables are associated with these outcomes. Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 2. Methods: Patients undergoing revision ACL reconstruction were identified and prospectively enrolled by 83 surgeons over 52 sites. Data included baseline demographics, surgical technique and pathology, and a series of validated PRO instruments: International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC), Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS), Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index, and Marx Activity Rating Scale. Patients were followed up at 2 years and asked to complete the identical set of outcome instruments. Multivariate regression models were used to control for a variety of demographic and surgical factors to determine the positive and negative predictors of PRO scores at 2 years after revision surgery. Results: A total of 1205 patients met the inclusion criteria and were successfully enrolled: 697 (58%) were male, with a median cohort age of 26 years. The median time since their most recent previous ACL reconstruction was 3.4 years. Two-year questionnaire follow-up was obtained from 989 patients (82%). The most significant positive predictors of 2-year IKDC scores were a high baseline IKDC score, high baseline Marx activity level, male sex, and having a longer time since the most recent previous ACL reconstruction, while negative predictors included having a lateral meniscectomy before the revision ACL reconstruction or having grade 3/4 chondrosis in either the trochlear groove or the medial tibial plateau at the time of the revision surgery. For KOOS, having a high baseline score and having a longer time between the most recent previous ACL reconstruction and revision surgery were significant positive predictors for having a better (ie, higher) 2-year KOOS, while having a lateral meniscectomy before the revision ACL reconstruction was a consistent predictor for having a significantly worse (ie, lower) 2-year KOOS. Statistically significant positive predictors for 2-year Marx activity levels included higher baseline Marx activity levels, younger age, male sex, and being a nonsmoker. Negative 2-year activity level predictors included having an allograft or a biologic enhancement at the time of revision surgery. Conclusion: PROs after revision ACL reconstruction are associated with a variety of patient- and surgeon-related variables. Understanding positive and negative predictors of PROs will allow surgeons to guide patient expectations as well as potentially improve outcomes.

Outcomes of Quadriceps Tendon With Patellar Bone Block Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction in Adolescent Patients With a Minimum 2-Year Follow-up

2019 ◽  
Vol 48 (1) ◽  
pp. 93-98 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alexia G. Gagliardi ◽  
Patrick M. Carry ◽  
Harin B. Parikh ◽  
Jay C. Albright
Keyword(s):  
Acl Reconstruction ◽  
Graft Failure ◽  
Cruciate Ligament ◽  
Return To Sport ◽  
Quadriceps Tendon ◽  
Acl Injuries ◽  
Patient Reported ◽  
Adolescent Patients ◽  
Anterior Cruciate

Background: The incidence of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury in the adolescent population is increasing. The quadriceps tendon–patellar bone autograft (QPA) has been established as a reliable graft choice for ACL reconstruction in the adult population. Purpose: To investigate graft failure, ability to return to sport, patient-reported functional outcomes, joint laxity, and subsequent injury among adolescent patients >2 years after primary ACL reconstruction with the QPA. Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: Consecutive patients who underwent QPA ACL reconstruction performed by a single surgeon were identified from an existing database. Information available in the database included demographics, concomitant/subsequent injuries, surgical procedures, graft failure, return to sport, and Lachman examination collected by medical record review. Pediatric International Knee Documentation Committee (Pedi-IKDC) and Lysholm scores were collected by telephone or during a clinic visit >2 years postoperatively. Results: The final cohort included 81 of 104 consecutive adolescent patients aged 10 to 18 years (mean ± SD, 15.9 ± 1.7 years at the time of surgery) for whom follow-up information was collected at >2 years after surgery. The cumulative incidence of graft failure within the 36-month follow-up period was 1.2% (95% CI, 0.1%-11.4%). The rate of ipsilateral non-ACL injuries was similar (1.2%; 95% CI, 0.2%-7.6%). Contralateral ACL and non-ACL injuries requiring surgical intervention were documented in 9.8% (95% CI, 4.9%-19.5%). The median Pedi-IKDC score was 94 (interquartile range, 89-98). The median Lysholm score was 99.5 (interquartile range, 89.0-100.0). At 36 months after surgery, 87.9% (95% CI, 81.4%-94.9%) of individuals had returned to play. Conclusion: The quadriceps tendon–patellar autograft is a novel graft that demonstrates excellent stability and favorable patient-reported outcomes. Based on these results, the QPA is a reliable choice for primary ACL reconstruction in adolescent patients.

scholarly journals A systematic review of long-term patient reported outcomes for the treatment of anterior cruciate ligament injuries in the skeletally immature

2018 ◽  
Vol 12 (3) ◽  
pp. 251-261 ◽  
Author(s):  
C. Buckle ◽  
A. M. Wainwright
Keyword(s):  
Patient Reported Outcomes ◽  
Skeletal Maturity ◽  
Cruciate Ligament ◽  
Limb Length Discrepancy ◽  
Skeletally Immature ◽  
Growth Disturbance ◽  
Acl Injuries ◽  
Graft Rupture ◽  
Patient Reported ◽  
Anterior Cruciate

Purpose To systematically review the available literature regarding outcomes for the treatment of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries in the skeletally immature at skeletal maturity or more than five years after surgery. Methods A systematic search was performed of seven online databases for literature reporting patient reported outcomes for the treatment of ACL injuries in the skeletally immature. A systematic review of this literature was performed examining the outcomes and their association with skeletal immaturity and treatment techniques. Results A total of 18 articles reported the outcomes of 425 subjects. The mean age at surgery ranged from 10.3 to 15 years. Mean follow-up ranged from 36 to 163 months. Ten studies followed up subjects until skeletal maturity. Mean outcome scores were similar for extraphyseal (Lysholm 96.2 (95.7 to 97.4), Tegner 6.75, IKDC 95.4 (94 to 100)) and transphyseal surgery (Lysholm 94.3 (84.6-100), Tegner 7.6 (6 to 8.7), International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) 93.6 (84 to 99)). However, the lower range boundary for Lysholm and IKDC was worse for the transphyseal group. The results for non-surgical treatments were worse (Lysholm 63.2, Tegner 4.8, IKDC 87). No significant differences were found in the incidence of limb-length discrepancy (p = 0.32), coronal plane growth disturbance (p = 0.48), graft rupture (p = 0.88) and persistent symptomatic instability (p = 0.11) with transphyseal and extraphyseal surgical techniques. Conclusion Both transphyseal and extraphyseal reconstructive techniques produced good patient reported outcomes, with no significant differences in the incidence of limb-length discrepancy, coronal plane growth disturbance, graft rupture and persistent symptomatic instability. They compare favourably with the repair techniques reviewed and the natural history of the condition. Further high-quality studies comparing the transphyseal and extraphyseal techniques are required. Level of Evidence Level IV

scholarly journals Relationship Between Sports Participation After Revision Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction and 2-Year Patient-Reported Outcome Measures

2019 ◽  
Vol 47 (9) ◽  
pp. 2056-2066
Author(s):  
◽  
John P. Bigouette ◽  
Erin C. Owen ◽  
Brett (Brick) A. Lantz ◽  
Rudolf G. Hoellrich ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Revision Surgery ◽  
Cruciate Ligament ◽  
Sports Participation ◽  
Patient Reported Outcome Measures ◽  
Patient Reported Outcome ◽  
Activity Level ◽  
Acl Revision ◽  
Patient Reported ◽  
Anterior Cruciate

Background: Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) revision cohorts continually report lower outcome scores on validated knee questionnaires than primary ACL cohorts at similar time points after surgery. It is unclear how these outcomes are associated with physical activity after physician clearance for return to recreational or competitive sports after ACL revision surgery. Hypotheses: Participants who return to either multiple sports or a singular sport after revision ACL surgery will report decreased knee symptoms, increased activity level, and improved knee function as measured by validated patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) and compared with no sports participation. Multisport participation as compared with singular sport participation will result in similar increased PROMs and activity level. Study Design: Cross-sectional study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: A total of 1205 patients who underwent revision ACL reconstruction were enrolled by 83 surgeons at 52 clinical sites. At the time of revision, baseline data collected included the following: demographics, surgical characteristics, previous knee treatment and PROMs, the International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) questionnaire, Marx activity score, Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS), and the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC). A series of multivariate regression models were used to evaluate the association of IKDC, KOOS, WOMAC, and Marx Activity Rating Scale scores at 2 years after revision surgery by sports participation category, controlling for known significant covariates. Results: Two-year follow-up was obtained on 82% (986 of 1205) of the original cohort. Patients who reported not participating in sports after revision surgery had lower median PROMs both at baseline and at 2 years as compared with patients who participated in either a single sport or multiple sports. Significant differences were found in the change of scores among groups on the IKDC ( P < .0001), KOOS-Symptoms ( P = .01), KOOS–Sports and Recreation ( P = .04), and KOOS–Quality of Life ( P < .0001). Patients with no sports participation were 2.0 to 5.7 times more likely than multiple-sport participants to report significantly lower PROMs, depending on the specific outcome measure assessed, and 1.8 to 3.8 times more likely than single-sport participants (except for WOMAC-Stiffness, P = .18), after controlling for known covariates. Conclusion: Participation in either a single sport or multiple sports in the 2 years after ACL revision surgery was found to be significantly associated with higher PROMs across multiple validated self-reported assessment tools. During follow-up appointments, surgeons should continue to expect that patients who report returning to physical activity after surgery will self-report better functional outcomes, regardless of baseline activity levels.

scholarly journals QUADRICEPS AUTOGRAFT IN ANTERIOR CRUCIATE LIGAMENT RECONSTRUCTION: A LITERATURE REVIEW

2020 ◽  
Vol 26 (1) ◽  
pp. 58-62
Author(s):  
Victor Eduardo Roman Salas ◽  
Diego Escudeiro de Oliveira ◽  
Marcos Vaz de Lima ◽  
Aires Duarte Junior ◽  
Luiz Gabriel Betoni Guglielmetti ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Anterior Cruciate Ligament ◽  
Cruciate Ligament ◽  
Quadriceps Tendon ◽  
Hamstring Tendon ◽  
Tendon Graft ◽  
Level Of Evidence ◽  
Patient Reported ◽  
Functional Scores ◽  
Ligament Instability ◽  
Anterior Cruciate

ABSTRACT Introduction: Anterior cruciate ligament injury is one of the most prevalent musculoskeletal injuries. Therefore, several surgical techniques and graft types have been described for its reconstruction. Autologous hamstring tendon graft is one of the most frequently used, but use of the quadriceps tendon graft has gained prominence in recent years. Objective: To review the literature to compare the outcomes of patients undergoing anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) with quadriceps tendon (QT) autograft versus hamstring tendon (HT) autograft. Methods: A literature review was conducted through PubMed to locate studies (Level of evidence I-III) comparing the outcomes of the QT autograft vs. the HT autograft in patients undergoing primary ACL reconstruction. Patients were assessed on the basis of re-rupture rate, ligament instability, patient-reported outcome scores, previous pain, and isokinetic tests. Results: Six studies were selected according to inclusion criteria. A total of 481 patients were evaluated, 243 in the QT group and 238 in the HT group. The total re-rupture rate was 1.6% (8 of 481), with 6 in the HT group and 2 in the QT group, but with no statistical difference between groups. One study found increased ligament instability in the HT group and another study found greater instability in the QT group, both with statistical significance. Regarding the patient-reported functional scores, only 01 study found statistical difference, with better results in the QT group. There was no difference in previous pain between groups in the selected studies. Regarding the isokinetic test, one study found a difference in flexor force in the HT group (p <0.01), with no difference in extensor force, while another two studies found an increased extensor force deficit in the QT group within up to 01 year of follow-up. The flexor/ extensor muscle strength ratio was higher in the QT group in both studies. Conclusion: ACL reconstruction with QT graft presents re-rupture rates, ligament instability, functional scores and donor site morbidity that are similar to the HT graft, in addition to preserving greater flexor force in proportion to extensor force. Level of evidence: IV; Review study.

scholarly journals Prospective study to assess functional outcomes in patients undergoing single bundle arthroscopic reconstruction of primary anterior cruciate ligament tear comparing with bone quadriceps tendon versus hamstring tendon autograft

2020 ◽  
Vol 6 (3) ◽  
pp. 511
Author(s):  
Gagan Khanna ◽  
Raman Attri ◽  
Rohit Sharma
Keyword(s):  
Anterior Cruciate Ligament ◽  
Acl Reconstruction ◽  
Cruciate Ligament ◽  
Quadriceps Tendon ◽  
Hamstring Tendon ◽  
Fixation Method ◽  
Isokinetic Strength ◽  
Acl Injuries ◽  
Ikdc Score ◽  
Anterior Cruciate

<p class="abstract"><strong>Background:</strong> Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries are one of the most common ligament injuries of knee. Arthroscopic ACL reconstruction has become the standard of care for ACL injuries in the active patient. In present study good bone quadriceps tendon (BQT) autograft and hamstring tendon (HT) autograft will be used for primary arthroscopic ACL reconstruction and its data regarding clinical and functional results will be evaluated and compared.</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Methods:</strong> Sixty patients underwent isolated ACL reconstruction. 30 underwent ACL reconstruction with the BQT and 30 with the HT. The same surgical technique, fixation method and postoperative protocol were used in both groups. Functional outcome in terms of International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) score, joint stability (anterior drawer, Lachman, pivot shift), anterior knee pain and isokinetic strength was evaluated.<strong></strong></p><p class="abstract"><strong>Results:</strong> IKDC score in bone quadriceps tendon and hamstring tendon group after 9 months follow up showing no statistical significance. The negative Lachman component was higher in the BQT group than in the HT group. There was no difference between groups in terms of isokinetic strength.</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Conclusions:</strong> Our study shows no statistically significant difference between both groups.</p>

scholarly journals 5-Year Survival of Pediatric Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction With Living Donor Hamstring Tendon Grafts

2018 ◽  
Vol 47 (1) ◽  
pp. 41-51 ◽  
Author(s):  
Emma L. Heath ◽  
Lucy J. Salmon ◽  
Robert Cooper ◽  
Evangelos Pappas ◽  
Justin P. Roe ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cruciate Ligament ◽  
Tanner Stage ◽  
Hamstring Tendon ◽  
Medium Term ◽  
Acl Injuries ◽  
Factors Associated ◽  
Acl Graft ◽  
Graft Rupture ◽  
Anterior Cruciate ◽  
Stage 1

Background: It is well accepted that there is a higher incidence of repeat anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries in the pediatric population after ACL reconstruction (ACLR) with autograft tissue compared with adults. Hamstring autograft harvest may contribute to the risk for repeat ACL injuries in this high functional demand group. A novel method is the use of a living donor hamstring tendon (LDHT) graft from a parent; however, there is currently limited research on the outcomes of this technique, particularly beyond the short term. Purpose/Hypothesis: The purpose was to determine the medium-term survival of the ACL graft and the contralateral ACL (CACL) after primary ACLR with the use of an LDHT graft from a parent in those aged less than 18 years and to identify factors associated with subsequent ACL injuries. It was hypothesized that ACLR with the use of an LDHT provides acceptable midterm outcomes in pediatric patients. Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: Between 2005 and 2014, 247 (of 265 eligible) consecutive patients in a prospective database, having undergone primary ACLR with the use of an LDHT graft and aged less than 18 years, were included. Outcomes were assessed at a minimum of 2 years after surgery including data on ACL reinjuries, International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) scores, and current symptoms, as well as factors associated with the ACL reinjury risk were investigated. Results: Patients were reviewed at a mean of 4.5 years (range, 24-127 months [10.6 years]) after ACLR with an LDHT graft. Fifty-one patients (20.6%) sustained an ACL graft rupture, 28 patients (11.3%) sustained a CACL rupture, and 2 patients sustained both an ACL graft rupture and a CACL rupture (0.8%). Survival of the ACL graft was 89%, 82%, and 76% at 1, 2, and 5 years, respectively. Survival of the CACL was 99%, 94%, and 86% at 1, 2, and 5 years, respectively. Survival of the ACL graft was favorable in patients with Tanner stage 1-2 at the time of surgery versus those with Tanner stage 3-5 at 5 years (87% vs 69%, respectively; hazard ratio, 3.7; P = .01). The mean IKDC score was 91.7. A return to preinjury levels of activity was reported by 59.1%. Conclusion: After ACLR with an LDHT graft from a parent in those aged less than 18 years, a second ACL injury (ACL graft or CACL injury) occurred in 1 in 3 patients. The 5-year survival rate of the ACL graft was 76%, and the 5-year survival rate of the CACL was 86%. High IKDC scores and continued participation in sports were maintained over the medium term. Importantly, there was favorable survival of the ACL graft in patients with Tanner stage 1-2 compared with patients with Tanner stage 3-5 over 5 years. Patients with Tanner stage 1-2 also had a significantly lower incidence of second ACL injuries over 5 years compared with those with Tanner stage 3-5, occurring in 1 in 5 patients. Thus, an LDHT graft from a parent is an appropriate graft for physically immature children.

ACL graft selection: state of the art

2018 ◽  
Vol 3 (3) ◽  
pp. 177-184 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hideyuki Koga ◽  
Stefano Zaffagnini ◽  
Alan M Getgood ◽  
Takeshi Muneta
Keyword(s):  
Cruciate Ligament ◽  
Quadriceps Tendon ◽  
Hamstring Tendon ◽  
Activity Level ◽  
Factors Affecting ◽  
Acl Graft ◽  
Advantages And Disadvantages ◽  
Recent Developments ◽  
Anterior Cruciate ◽  
Graft Selection

Despite recent developments in anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction techniques, there are still several intraoperative factors affecting clinical outcomes that remain widely debated. Among such factors, graft selection might be the most critical yet controversial question for surgeons. As the primary factor influencing a patient’s choice for the ACL graft is surgeon recommendation, surgeons have to consider several factors to select the best graft for each patient. Graft options currently include autograft, allograft or synthetic grafts. In terms of autograft, there are three main options: hamstring tendon, bone-patellar tendon-bone (BPTB) and quadriceps tendon, the two most commonly used being hamstring tendon and BPTB. Limited evidence is available to select the one best graft for every individual patient. Graft selection should be based on the reported rate of graft failure/revision and be individualised according to multiple factors such as gender, age, activity level and type of activity, complications and other patient needs and demands. Furthermore, surgeons should be familiar with a variety of grafts, their specific associated surgical procedures and the advantages and disadvantages of each, with the aim of offering the best graft selection for each individual patient.

scholarly journals 20-Year Outcomes of Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction With Hamstring Tendon Autograft: The Catastrophic Effect of Age and Posterior Tibial Slope

2017 ◽  
Vol 46 (3) ◽  
pp. 531-543 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lucy J. Salmon ◽  
Emma Heath ◽  
Hawar Akrawi ◽  
Justin P. Roe ◽  
James Linklater ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Acl Reconstruction ◽  
Cruciate Ligament ◽  
Degenerative Change ◽  
Acl Injury ◽  
Hamstring Tendon ◽  
Activity Level ◽  
Acl Graft ◽  
Hamstring Tendon Autograft ◽  
Graft Rupture ◽  
Tendon Autograft

Background: No well-controlled studies have compared the long-term outcome of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction with hamstring tendon autograft between adolescents and adults. Increased posterior tibial slopes (PTSs) have been reported in the ACL-injured versus controls, but the effect of PTS on the outcome after reconstruction is relatively unexplored. Purpose: To compare the prospective longitudinal outcome of “isolated” ACL ruptures treated with anatomic endoscopic ACL reconstruction using hamstring tendon autograft over 20 years in adolescent and adult cohorts and to examine factors for repeat ACL injury. Study Design: Case-control study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: A single-surgeon series of 200 consecutive patients undergoing isolated primary ACL reconstruction with hamstring tendon autograft were prospectively studied. Subjects were assessed preoperatively and at 2, 7, 15, and 20 years postoperatively. Outcomes included International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) Knee Evaluation, IKDC subjective scores, KT-1000 instrumented laxity testing, and radiological evaluation of degenerative change and medial tibial slope. Twenty-year outcomes were compared between those who underwent surgery at the age of 18 years or younger (adolescent group, n = 39) and those who underwent surgery when older than 18 years (adult group, n = 161). Results: At 20 years, 179 of 200 subjects were reviewed (89.5%). ACL graft rupture occurred in 37 subjects and contralateral ACL injury in 22 subjects. Of those with intact ACL grafts at 20 years, outcomes were not statistically different between adolescents and adults for the variables of IKDC subjective score ( P = .29), return to preinjury activity level ( P = .84), current activity level ( P = .69), or degree of radiological degenerative change at 20 years ( P = .51). The adolescent group had a higher proportion of grade 1 ligamentous laxity testing compared with the adult group ( P = .003). Overall, ACL graft survival at 20 years was 86% for adults and 61% for adolescents (hazard ration, 3.3; P = .001). The hazard for ACL graft rupture was increased by 4.8 in adolescent males and 2.5 in adolescent females compared with adults. At 20 years, the ACL survival for adolescents with a PTS of ≥12° was 22%. The hazard for ACL graft rupture was increased by 11 in adolescents with a PTS of ≥12° ( P = .001) compared with adults with a PTS <12°. Conclusion: Repeat ACL injury after isolated ACL reconstruction is common, occurring in 1 in 3 over 20 years. In the absence of further injury, isolated ACL reconstruction using this technique was associated with good long-term outcomes with respect to patient-reported outcomes and return to sports, regardless of age. However, mild ligament laxity and ACL graft rupture after ACL reconstruction are significantly more common in adolescents, especially adolescent males, compared with adults. PTS of 12° or more is the strongest predictor of repeat ACL injury, and its negative effect is most pronounced in adolescents.

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