Comparison of Anterior Cruciate Ligament Tears Treated Nonoperatively Versus With Reconstruction: Risk of Subsequent Surgery

2022 ◽  
pp. 036354652110669
Author(s):  
David Y. Ding ◽  
Lue-Yen Tucker ◽  
Caitlin M. Rugg

Background: Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears can be devastating injuries, leading to joint instability, meniscal tears, and subsequent arthritis. It is unknown whether ACL reconstruction (ACLR) alters the natural history of joint degeneration in the ACL-deficient knee compared with nonoperative treatment, and few studies have examined outcomes in middle–aged patients. Purpose: The objective of this study was to compare the midterm risk of subsequent ipsilateral knee surgery in middle–aged patients after an ACL injury treated with initial conservative (nonoperative) management (CM) versus ACLR (operative management [OM]) within 6 months of the diagnosis. Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: We performed an electronic database search from 2011 to 2012 for all patients aged 35 to 55 years with an initial diagnosis of magnetic resonance imaging—confirmed ACL tear. Patients who elected CM and those who underwent ACLR within 6 months of the diagnosis (OM) were identified. Index patient and clinical characteristics were collected from the health record. All patients were longitudinally observed until August 31, 2017. The primary outcome was subsequent ipsilateral knee surgeries, and secondary outcomes included contralateral knee surgeries, deep surgical–site infections, and venous thrombotic events. Results: The mean follow–up was 4.8 ± 0.6 years. The CM group included 463 patients (40.2%) and the OM group included 690 patients (59.8%). The mean ages were 43.9 ± 5.7 years and 42.7 ± 5.3 years for patients in the CM and OM groups, respectively ( P < .001). Obesity and smoking were significantly more common in the CM group. During the follow–up, 180 patients (38.9%) in the CM group underwent subsequent ipsilateral knee surgery compared with 73 (10.6%) patients in the OM group ( P < .001). The mean time to the first ipsilateral procedure was 0.9 ± 1.1 years in the CM and 2 ± 1.5 years in the OM group ( P < .001). Delayed ipsilateral ACLRs were performed in 81 patients in the CM group (17.5%); non-ACLR ipsilateral knee surgeries were performed in 156 patients in the CM group (33.7%). Contralateral knee surgery rates were similar. In a regression model, after controlling for age, sex, the Charlson Comorbidity Index score, and smoking status, it was found that normal body mass index and CM group were risk factors for undergoing subsequent knee surgery or ipsilateral non-ACLR surgery. Conclusion: Excluding delayed ACLR, subsequent ipsilateral knee surgeries were more common and occurred earlier in middle–aged patients with nonoperatively managed ACL tears compared with patients managed with reconstruction.

2021 ◽  
pp. 036354652110273
Author(s):  
Joshua S. Everhart ◽  
Sercan Yalcin ◽  
Kurt P. Spindler

Background: Several long-term (≥20 years) follow-up studies after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction have been published in recent years, allowing for a systematic evaluation of outcomes. Purpose: To summarize outcomes at ≥20 years after ACL reconstruction and identify patient and surgical factors that affect these results. Study Design: Systematic review; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: Prospective studies of primary ACL reconstructions with hamstring or bone–patellar tendon—bone (BTB) autograft via an arthroscopic or a mini-open technique and with a mean follow-up of ≥20 years were identified. When possible, the mean scores for each outcome measure were calculated. Factors identified in individual studies as predictive of outcomes were described. Results: Five studies met the inclusion and exclusion criteria with a total of 2012 patients. The pooled mean follow-up for patient-reported outcome measures was 44.2% (range, 29.6%-92.7%) and in-person evaluation was 33.2% (range, 29.6%-48.9%). Four studies (n = 584) reported graft tears at a mean rate of 11.8% (range, 2%-18.5%) and 4 studies (n = 773) reported a contralateral ACL injury rate of 12.2% (range, 5.8%-30%). Repeat non-ACL arthroscopic surgery (4 studies; n = 177) to the ipsilateral knee occurred in 10.4% (range, 9.5%-18.3%) and knee arthroplasty (1 study; n = 217) in 5%. The pooled mean of the International Knee Documentation Committee subjective knee function (IKDC) score was 79.1 (SD, 21.8 [3 studies; n = 644]). In 2 studies (n?= 221), 57.5% of patients continued to participate in strenuous activities. The IKDC-objective score was normal or nearly normal in 82.3% (n = 496; 3 studies), with low rates of clinically significant residual laxity. Moderate-severe radiographic osteoarthritis (OA) (IKDC grade C or D) was present in 25.9% of patients (n = 605; 3 studies). Medial meniscectomy is associated with increased risk of radiographic OA. Radiographic OA severity is associated with worse patient-reported knee function, but the association with knee pain is unclear. Conclusion: Currently available prospective evidence for ACL reconstruction with hamstring or BTB autograft provides several insights into outcomes at 20 years. The rates of follow-up at 20 years range from 30% to 93%. IKDC-objective scores were normal or nearly normal in 82% and the mean IKDC-subjective score was 79 points.


2016 ◽  
Vol 1 (s2) ◽  
pp. 23-26
Author(s):  
Octav Russu ◽  
Tiberiu Bățagă ◽  
Andrei-Marian Feier ◽  
Radu Prejbeanu ◽  
Radu Fleaca ◽  
...  

Abstract Introduction: Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) rupture is one of the most common lesions in knee traumatology; therefore the number of ACL reconstructions is increasing worldwide. Usually, an anteromedial (AM) accessory portal is required in anatomical positioning of the femoral tunnel, which is not absolutely necessary in this technique. Aim: Assessment of all-inside ACL reconstruction preliminary clinical results with adjustable loops and buttons on both femoral and tibial surfaces. Method: Our prospective study included 28 subjects (19 male, 9 female) with chronic ACL ruptures. The mean age of the study population was 27.72 ± 8.23 years. In all cases ACL reconstruction was carried out with the use of quadrupled semitendinosus auto-grafts with adjustable loops and buttons on the femoral and tibial surfaces and anatomic placement of both tunnels, using an outside-in technique, with flipcutters (Arthrex®). Clinical and radiological evaluations were carried out before surgery and at 3 and 6 months postoperatively, with the Lysholm scoring system, the Tegner activity scale and anterior-posterior and latero-lateral X-rays. Anterior knee laxity was measured in 25° of flexion using a portable arthrometer (RolimeterTM, Aircast®) and maximum manual force. Results: During the final follow-up, the Lysholm score was good and excellent in 27 cases, with a mean Lysholm score of 95.55 ± 4.63; all results were classified as good. The mean preoperative Tegner activity score was 3.46 ± 1.71 (range: 1-7), and the post-operative mean score was 5.75 ± 2.24 (range: 2-10). We found no graft ruptures. Preoperative knee laxity measurements showed a mean displacement of 11.5 ± 3.1 mm and side-to-side differences of 5.6 ± 3.5 mm, while the postoperative measurements at the last follow-up were 6.3 ± 1.54 mm and 2.65 ± 1.86 mm, respectively. Conclusion: Short-term clinical outcomes of all-inside ACL restoration with anatomic placement femoral and tibial tunnels seem to recommend this surgical option, with good subjective and objective results. Additional research will have to prove the long-term success.


2007 ◽  
Vol 35 (7) ◽  
pp. 1131-1134 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rick W. Wright ◽  
Warren R. Dunn ◽  
Annunziato Amendola ◽  
Jack T. Andrish ◽  
John Bergfeld ◽  
...  

Background The risk of tear of the intact anterior cruciate ligament in the contralateral knee after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction of the opposite knee and the incidence of rupturing the anterior cruciate ligament graft during the first 2 years after surgery have not been extensively studied in a prospective manner. Clinicians have hypothesized that the opposite normal knee is at equal or increased risk compared with the risk of anterior cruciate ligament graft rupture in the operated knee. Hypothesis The risk of anterior cruciate ligament graft rupture and contralateral normal knee anterior cruciate ligament rupture at 2-year follow-up is equal. Study Design Cohort study; Level of evidence, 2. Methods The Multicenter Orthopaedic Outcome Network (MOON) database of a prospective longitudinal cohort of anterior cruciate ligament reconstructions was used to determine the number of anterior cruciate ligament graft ruptures and tears of the intact anterior cruciate ligament in the contralateral knee at 2-year follow-up. Two-year follow-up consisted of a phone interview and review of operative reports. Results Two-year data were obtained for 235 of 273 patients (86%). There were 14 ligament disruptions. Of these, 7 were tears of the intact anterior cruciate ligament in the contralateral knee (3.0%) and 7 were anterior cruciate ligament graft failures (3.0%). Conclusion The contralateral normal knee anterior cruciate ligament is at a similar risk of anterior cruciate ligament tear (3.0%) as the anterior cruciate ligament graft after primary anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (3.0%).


2020 ◽  
pp. 036354652092309
Author(s):  
Matthew Colatruglio ◽  
David C. Flanigan ◽  
Joseph Long ◽  
Alex C. DiBartola ◽  
Robert A. Magnussen

Background: Anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) is a common orthopaedic sports medicine procedure, but graft failure is not uncommon and often leads to revision ACLR. Revision surgery can be performed in a 1- or 2-stage fashion. Hypothesis: Graft failure risk, patient-reported outcomes, and anterior knee laxity are similar after 1- and 2-stage revision ACLR. Study Design: Systematic review; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: A systematic review of the literature was performed to evaluate patient outcomes after 1- versus 2-stage revision ACLR. A search was performed with the phrase “revision anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction” across Embase, PubMed, Scopus, and SportDiscus from the beginning of their archives through July 12, 2019. Results: Thirteen studies met inclusion criteria and included 524 patients: 319 patients who underwent 1-stage revision ACLR and 205 patients who underwent 2-stage revision ACLR. Two studies compared outcomes of 1- versus 2-stage revision ACLR; 4 studies reported outcomes after 2-stage revision ACLR; and the remaining 7 studies documented outcomes after 1-stage ACLR. The mean follow-up was 4.1 years. The 2 studies that compared 1- versus 2-stage ACLR reported no differences in functional, radiologic, or patient-reported outcomes or failure risk. Overall, 9 studies reported subjective International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) scores; 4 studies, Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score values; 8 studies, Lysholm scores; and 7 studies, Tegner scores; 8 studies measured anterior laxity with a KT-1000 arthrometer. The mean weighted subjective IKDC score for all studies including this outcome at final follow-up was 66.6 for 1-stage revisions and 65.9 for 2-stage revisions. Conclusion: The available evidence comparing 1- versus 2-stage revision ACLR is retrospective and limited. The results of each approach are similar in appropriately selected patients.


2017 ◽  
Vol 5 (2_suppl2) ◽  
pp. 2325967117S0004
Author(s):  
Rodi Ertoğrul ◽  
Hasan Basri Sezer ◽  
Raffi Armağan ◽  
Muharrem Kanar ◽  
Osman Tugrul Eren

In this study we reported the early clinical and functional results of 40 patients admitted to our hospital for anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (20 with autogenous hamstring tendon graft and 20 with peroneus longus allograft)retrospectively between august 2012 and september 2014. All patients in the autograft group were male and only three patients in the allograft group were female. The mean age in the autograft group was 29,60±4,55 and 34,25±6,73 in the allograft group. The mean time period before the surgery was 10,35(1-84) months and the mean postoperative follow up time was 33,8(12-46) months. Only 2 patients in the autograft group and 4 patients in the allograft group were injured by direct trauma. We noted the patients’ occupation, activity level and sport activities. Joint effusion, pain and restriction in the joint motion were documented. Patients were evaluated with Lachman, anterior drawer and pivot shift tests at the last follow up examination. The joint instability was tested with KT 1000 and the muscle contractions were tested with Cybex devices. Modified Cincinnati, Lysholm and IKDC activity scale were used to evaluate the activity level of patients. There were no difference neither clinically, nor functionally between two groups at the last follow up (p>0,05).Taken into consideration the risks and advantages of autogenous hamstring graft and allograft use we conclude that the peroneus longus allograft is a reasonable option for anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yannic Bangert ◽  
Ayham Jaber ◽  
Felix Wünnemann ◽  
Gregor Berrsche ◽  
Nikolaus Streich ◽  
...  

Abstract Purpose Reonstruction of the Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) using tendon grafting is an established method for restoring knee function and stability. Multiple methods are established for graft fixation. Several involve anchoring the autograft distant to the joint with hardware that remains implanted. This study reports the first early to midterm results in patients who received ACL reconstruction (ACLR) using the T-Lock Osteotrans femoral near joint fixation method with a tibial fixation using the BioactIF Osteotrans interference screw. Methods This consecutive prospective series included 20 Patients (14 Male, 6 Female) with a primary ACL rupture. All patients were treated with an ACLR using the semitendinosus autograft fixated with the T-Lock Osteotrans and were followed-up postoperatively. The following parameters were assessed: Side-to-side difference of the posterior-anterior translation measured using the KT-1000 arthrometer, Tegner activity score, Lysholm score, IKDC subjective knee evaluation form. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was done to assess tunnel enlargement and integrity of the anchoring device. Results The average follow-up duration was 2.15 years (range 1–4.2 years). One patient was lost to follow-up. Two Patients suffered a traumatic ACL re-rupture 2 years postoperatively and received 2-stage revision ACLR. Difference in the posterior-anterior translation was 1.8 mm (range 0–5). The median Tegner score was 6 (range 4–10) and 9 patients (45%) returned to their preinjury level of activity. The mean IKDC subjective knee evaluation form scored 91.2 points (range 77–100). The mean Lysholm score was 86.1 points (74–96). All mentioned scores showed were significantly better compared to preoperative values. No relevant tunnel enlargement was seen on MRI. The anchoring device was evaluated to be intact in all patients. Conclusion ACLR with the aforementioned procedure leads to good clinical and radiological outcome.


2019 ◽  
Vol 7 (7) ◽  
pp. 232596711985662 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jean-Marie Fayard ◽  
Bertrand Sonnery-Cottet ◽  
Goran Vrgoc ◽  
Padhraig O’Loughlin ◽  
Geoffroy Dubois de Mont Marin ◽  
...  

Background: Partial anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears are observed in 10% to 27% of isolated ACL tears. There is currently no consensus on diagnosis and treatment protocols, and the outcomes of nonoperative treatment remain undefined. Purpose: To assess the incidence and risk factors for the progression of partial ACL tears to complete ruptures after nonoperative treatment in active patients younger than 30 years. Study Design: Case-control study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: A total of 41 patients, all younger than 30 years and active in sports, were diagnosed with a partial ACL tear, with no associated meniscal or chondral lesions on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). All were assigned to a nonoperative treatment program. The Lachman test, ≤4-mm side-to-side difference in laxity by Rolimeter, and MRI were utilized for the diagnosis. Tegner and International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) scores were assessed before and after the first lesion, and the Anterior Cruciate Ligament Return to Sport After Injury (ACL-RSI) score was assessed at last follow-up. Postinjury Tegner and IKDC scores were assessed before the second injury for patients progressing to a complete ACL tear and at last follow-up for patients without progression. Results: At a mean of 43 months (range, 24-96 months), the partial ACL injury progressed to a complete ACL tear in 16 (39%) patients. In the remaining 25 patients without progression, the mean Tegner and IKDC scores were 7.0 and 96.0 before the injury and 5.9 and 85.7, respectively, at last follow-up. The mean ACL-RSI score was 69.3. The Tegner and IKDC scores were significantly lower at final follow-up ( P = .0002 and P < .0001, respectively). Only 18 (44%) patients returned to their preinjury level of sports activities. A significantly increased risk of progression to a complete ACL tear was seen in patients ≤20 years (odds ratio, 5.19; P = .037) or patients practicing pivoting contact sports (odds ratio, 6.29; P = .026). Meniscal lesions were found in 50% of patients with a partial tear that progressed to a complete ACL tear. Conclusion: A partial ACL injury progressed to a complete ACL tear in 39% of young active patients treated conservatively, with half of the complete tears presenting with a concomitant meniscal lesion at the time of reconstruction. Age ≤20 years and participation in pivoting contact sports were identified as significant risk factors for progression to a complete tear.


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