Quadriceps autograft is a viable graft choice for arthroscopic ACL reconstruction in patients over 50 years of age

Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction in Patients Aged 50 Years and Older Results in Improvements in Activity and Functional Outcome Measures, Whereas Reported Complication Rates Vary Widely: A Systematic Review

PURPOSE

To systematically review the contemporary literature and evaluate patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs), functional knee measures, and the incidence of complications in patients aged 50 years and older undergoing anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) at short- to mid-term follow-up.

METHODS

A literature search was conducted across the PubMed, Embase, and Scopus databases, spanning from database inception to November 2023, in accordance with the 2020 Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses guidelines. The inclusion criteria consisted of clinical studies reporting PROMs, measures of knee stability, and complication rates after ACLR in patients aged 50 years and older with minimum 2-year follow-up. The Methodological Index for Non-randomized Studies criteria were used to assess study quality. Primary outcome measures consisted of changes in PROMs and complication rates after ACLR.

RESULTS

A total of 17 studies, consisting of 1,163 patients undergoing ACLR, were identified. Autografts were used in 90.3% of patients, whereas 9.7% of patients were treated using allografts. At minimum 24-month follow-up, mean International Knee Documentation Committee scores ranged from 67.4 to 92.96; mean Lysholm scores, from 84.4 to 94.8; and mean Tegner scores, from 0.3 to 5.4. The mean side-to-side difference at final follow-up ranged from 1.2 to 2.4 mm, and the rates of recurrent instability ranged from 0% to 18%. Complication and revision rates ranged from 0% to 40.4% and 0% to 37.5%, respectively, with the highest rates observed in studies noting a high incidence of intraoperative cartilage lesions.

CONCLUSIONS

ACLR in patients aged 50 years and older results in favorable International Knee Documentation Committee scores, Lysholm scores, and Tegner activity scores and improvements in functional knee measures. However, a wide range of reoperations and complications are reported, attributed to varying levels of chondral injury and osteoarthritis, which warrant consideration when discussing expectations in patients aged 50 years and older undergoing ACLR.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level IV, systematic review of Level II to IV studies.

Both Hamstring and Quadriceps Tendon Autografts Offer Similar Functional Outcomes After Arthroscopic Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction in Patients Aged 50 Years or Older

PURPOSE

To compare the outcomes of hamstring tendon (HT) and quadriceps tendon (QT) autografts for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction in patients aged 50 years or older in terms of patient-reported functional outcomes, graft failure rates, complications, return to sports activity, and sports preference.

METHODS

Between 2010 and 2022, prospectively collected data were obtained from an institutional database. Patients aged 50 years or older who underwent primary arthroscopic ACL reconstruction with either HT or QT autograft and had a minimum 2-year follow-up were included. Patients with concomitant meniscal, cartilage, and medial collateral ligament injuries were also included. Patients undergoing revision ACL reconstruction, those undergoing primary ACL reconstruction with a graft other than HT or QT autograft, and those with contralateral knee injuries or ipsilateral osteoarthritis (Ahlbäck stage ≥2) were excluded. Patients were evaluated in terms of the Lysholm knee score, Tegner activity level, and visual analog scale (VAS) score for pain before injury and at 2-year follow-up, as well as graft failure, QT rupture, and return to sport. The Mann-Whitney test was used to analyze unpaired samples, whereas the Friedman test was used to analyze variables over time. The χ2 statistic test was used to determine differences in categorical data between groups.

RESULTS

The number of patients in the QT and HT groups was 85 and 143, respectively. In the QT and HT groups, the mean age was 54.4 years (range, 50-65 years) and 56.4 years (range, 50-65 years), respectively, and 49% and 51% of patients were men, respectively. The 2 groups did not differ significantly in terms of age, sex, time from injury to surgery, and concomitant injuries. No significant differences in preinjury patient-reported outcome measures, consisting of the Lysholm score, Tegner activity level, and VAS pain score, were found between the 2 groups (P > .05). At the 2-year follow-up, the Lysholm knee score, Tegner activity level, and VAS pain score improved to preinjury levels and no significant differences in preinjury and 2-year follow-up functional scores were noted between the 2 groups (P > .05). Furthermore, at the 2-year follow-up, the Lysholm score and VAS pain score did not show significant differences (P = .390 and P = .131, respectively) between the QT and HT groups. Similarly, no differences in Tegner activity level were observed between the HT and QT groups at the 2-year follow-up. No significant differences in terms of the minimal clinically important difference were detected between the 2 groups for the Lysholm knee score (P = .410) and Tegner activity level (P = .420). The 2 groups did not differ in terms of patients' percentage of sports participation at baseline and at the 2-year follow-up (P > .05). A significant decrease (P = .01) in participation in skiing/snowboarding was reported in the HT group at the 2-year follow-up compared with baseline (116 patients [81%] vs 98 patients [69%]). No case of graft failure or QT rupture was reported in either group.

CONCLUSIONS

Arthroscopic ACL reconstruction using HT or QT autografts in athletically active patients aged 50 years or older provides satisfactory patient-reported functional outcomes and allows recovery of the preinjury level of activity.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III, retrospective cohort study.

ACL Graft Selection Based on Age and Sport

Background

The issue of graft selection in anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction continues to be debated in the literature. It has been reported in the literature that different graft types give different results, especially in different demographic characteristics (age, sex) and different sports. In this study, we attempted to provide an overview of how graft selection should be made according to demographic characteristics (age, sex) and sport types.

Indications

In this study, we tried to review the studies in the literature that compared graft types in ACL reconstruction according to age, sex, or type of sport.

Technique Description

A narrow review of the literature was performed to compare graft selection specific to different sports.

Results

There is no perfect graft selection for everyone. Given the distinct characteristics of each sport branch, including the grade of pivoting, frequency of repeated movements, and expectations, it is evident that dedicated research is required for each sport. Comparative studies on graft selection specific to each sport may increase the accuracy of the selection.

Discussion/Conclusion

A review of the literature reveals a paucity of studies on the selection and outcomes of grafts in different sports. When choosing a graft for ACL reconstruction, factors such as age, sex, sport type, and expectations should be taken into consideration and a personalized decision should be made.

Patient Consent Disclosure Statement

The author(s) attests that consent has been obtained from any patient(s) appearing in this publication. If the individual may be identifiable, the author(s) has included a statement of release or other written form of approval from the patient(s) with this submission for publication.

Clinical Results of Isolated MCL Grade III Injury in Acute and Chronic Setting: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Background

The medial collateral ligament (MCL) is frequently involved in injuries around the knee but is uncommonly treated surgically. There are various techniques to reconstruct the medial side of the knee, which have varying outcomes.

Purpose/hypothesis

The purpose of the present systematic review and meta-analysis is to describe the clinical results of surgical management of acute and chronic isolated grade III MCL injury using various functional scores, such as IKDC, Lysholm, and VAS, and to ascertain complication rates associated with these interventions.

Methods

A systematic review was performed according to the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analysis (PRISMA) guidelines, and two independent authors (L.F and A.M) conducted a comprehensive search across multiple databases (PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus). They reviewed each article's title and abstract for studies available until April 2024. The search terms used were "((MCL) OR (Medial collateral ligament)) AND (injuries) AND (treatment)". The full texts of the studies were evaluated when eligibility could not be assessed from the title and abstract.

Results

The pooled proportion (percentage) of complications from the three studies reporting data on surgery for the MCL acute stage was 15.3% with 95% CI [6.1% to 24.6%]. No complications were reported in studies reporting surgery in the chronic stage. Marked resolution of pain was observed with the mean VAS Score for pain at the final follow-up after surgery for MCL injury in the acute stage was 0.4 with 95% CI [-0.04 to 0.84]. The mean IKDC score at the final follow-up in the three studies reporting data on surgery for the MCL in the acute stage was 79.39 with 95% CI [67.96 to 90.82], and in the chronic stage, was 85 with 95% CI [83.02 to 86.98]. The mean Lysholm Score at the final follow-up after surgery for MCL injury in the chronic stage was 83.04 with 95% CI [75.24 to 94.84], and in the acute stage was 95 with 95% CI [91.76 to 98.24].

Conclusion

This systematic review found that functional outcomes regarding IKDC and LYSHOLM scores were comparable for surgeries performed in acute and chronic MCL tears. There was a marginally increased risk of complication in surgeries performed for acute MCL tears. Compared to the acute phase, a marked resolution of pain was observed at the final follow-up after surgery for MCL injury.

Study Design

Systematic review; level of evidence, 4..

Effect of Quadriceps Tendon Autograft Preparation and Fixation on Graft Laxity During Suspensory Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: A Biomechanical Analysis

Background

Favorable collagen fibril density and thickness combined with advances in graft preparation and fixation have significantly increased interest in the quadriceps tendon (QT) autograft for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. While various suspensory techniques have been described, the biomechanical profile of these constructs is largely undefined.

Purpose

To compare the biomechanics of suspensory techniques for soft tissue QT autograft fixation in an in vitro model of ACL reconstruction.

Study Design

Controlled laboratory study.

Methods

Full-thickness QT grafts were harvested using a 9-mm graft blade. Adjustable-loop devices (ALDs) were secured to the graft (n = 6 per group) with a combination implant containing the ALD and suture tape-reinforced whipstitching (tape-reinforced [TR] group), tethered superficially to the graft with a whipstitch (onlay [OL] group), luggage-tagged through and around the graft (luggage tag [LT] group), or staggered behind superficial suturing (staggered [SG] group). Grafts were tested on an electromechanical testing machine following a validated in vitro reconstruction model of intraoperative workflow and postoperative ACL kinematics, cyclic loading, and load to failure.

Results

The TR group had significantly less postcyclic tension loss (mean, 24%) compared with the OL (56%; P = .002), LT (69%; P < .001), and SG (90%; P < .001) constructs. Cyclic elongation was below the 3.0-mm threshold defined as clinical failure for TR (1.6 mm), but not for OL (3.3 mm), LT (7.9 mm), and SG (11.3 mm). All constructs were within native ACL stiffness limits (220 ± 72 N/mm) without significant differences. Ultimate loads significantly exceeded a normal ACL loading limit of 454 N for TR (739 N; P = .023), OL (547 N; P = .020), and LT (769 N; P = .001), but not for SG (346 N; P = .236).

Conclusion

The TR ALD construct demonstrated the most favorable time-zero biomechanical properties of modern soft tissue QT suspensory constructs, with 32% less tension loss and 52% less cyclic elongation versus the closest construct. Failure loading of all constructs was acceptable with respect to the native ACL except for the SG group, which had suboptimal ultimate load.

Clinical Relevance

TR ALD implants may protect soft tissue QT autografts before graft-bone healing in ACL reconstruction by minimizing time-zero laxity and fixation failure.

Good clinical outcomes of anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction in patients over 60 years of age

PURPOSE

To evaluate the clinical outcomes following arthroscopic anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction (ACLR) in patients over 60 years and to investigate the potential impact of preoperative osteoarthritis (OA) on these outcomes.

METHODS

A retrospective study included ACL-injured patients over 60 years who underwent primary arthroscopic ACLR between 2010 and 2020. The Lysholm score and the International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) score were assessed preoperatively and at the final follow-up. The Tegner activity scale was performed to evaluate patients' activity levels. Data on return to sports, patient satisfaction, subsequent injuries and complications were collected. Preoperative radiographs were used to grade OA according to the Kellgrene-Lawrence classification. Correlation analysis between OA and clinical outcomes was performed. The rates of achieving the minimal clinically significant difference and patient-acceptable symptoms state were documented.

RESULTS

A total of 37 patients were included in this study. The mean age at surgery was 62.3 ± 2.3 years, with a mean follow-up of 6.3 ± 3.2 years (range: 2.1-12.4). Patients showed statistically significant (all p < 0.001) improvements in the mean IKDC (38.9 ± 9.4-66.8 ± 12.5), Lysholm (48.8 ± 15.4-83.0 ± 12.8) and Tegner (1-3) scores. Fourteen patients (37.8%) returned to sports. No correlation was observed between the degree of preoperative OA and clinical outcomes (n.s.).

CONCLUSION

Patients over 60 years with symptomatic ACL-deficient knees could benefit from ACLR, even when mild to moderate OA is present preoperatively.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level IV.

Revision ACL reconstruction in female athletes: current concepts

The challenge of revision anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction lies in its complexity, varied presentation, and technical intricacies. A successful ACL reconstruction should allow patients to safely return to preinjury activities. However, it is only sometimes simple, and many risk factors and concurrent pathologies come into play. Evaluating and analysing the cause of failure and associated conditions is paramount to addressing them effectively. Despite a plethora of research and improvements in knowledge and technology, e gaps exist in issues such as optimal techniques of revision surgery, graft options, fixation, concurrent procedures, rehabilitation and protocol for return to sports of high-level athletes. Female athletes need additional focus since they are at higher risk of re-injury, suboptimal clinical outcomes, and lower rates of return to sport following revision reconstruction. Our understanding about injury prevention and the protection of ACL grafts in female athletes needs to be improved. This review focuses on the current state of revision ACL surgery in female athletes and provides recommendations and future directions for optimising outcomes in this high-risk group.

Primary Versus Revision ACL Reconstruction Using Quadriceps Autograft: A Matched-Control Cohort Study

Background

The incidence of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction is increasing, and quadriceps tendon (QT) autograft is gaining popularity for both primary and revision ACL reconstruction.

Purpose

To evaluate the differences in the patient-reported functional outcomes, concomitant injuries, and graft failure in primary versus revision ACL surgery using QT autograft.

Study Design

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods

A total of 376 patients with primary ACL reconstruction and 138 patients with revision ACL reconstruction were retrospectively retrieved from a prospectively collected ACL registry. A minimally invasive technique was used for QT autograft harvesting. The surgical procedure and rehabilitation protocol were identical in both groups. To maintain a homogeneous cohort for the study, the groups were matched by age, sex, and preinjury outcome scores (Lysholm knee score, Tegner activity level, and visual analog scale [VAS] for pain). Initial baseline assessments of outcome scores were compared with scores collected at the 2-year postoperative mark.

Results

The mean age of the primary group and revision group was 32.9 ± 10.2 years (range, 18-55 years) and 32.3 ± 9.9 years (range, 19-55 years) respectively. Significant preinjury to postoperative improvements were noted in Lysholm (88.2 ± 16.4 vs 83.5 ± 15.0; P = .007) and VAS pain (0.9 ± 1.3 vs 1.5 ± 1.6; P = .001) scores after primary ACL reconstruction compared with revision reconstruction. However, no significant difference was found in Tegner activity level (6.7 ± 1.8 vs 5.9 ± 1.8; P > .430). Primary ACL injury was associated with significantly higher concomitant medial collateral ligament injuries (P = .019), while the revision group was associated with significantly higher concomitant cartilage (P = .001) and meniscal (P = .003) injuries. A significantly higher graft failure rate was noted in the revision group compared with the primary ACL reconstruction group (13.0% vs 5.6%; P = .005).

Conclusion

Both primary and revision ACL reconstruction with QT autograft had acceptable functional outcomes. The primary group had better outcomes than the revision group, possibly due to the lower prevalence of meniscal and cartilage injuries in the primary group compared with the revision group. The revision group was associated with higher graft failure than the primary group. QT autograft is a viable graft choice for both primary and revision ACL reconstruction.

Ten-year outcomes of anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction with hamstring tendon autograft and femoral fixation with a cortico-cancellous screw suspension device

PURPOSE

To evaluate the clinical and radiographic outcomes of anterior cruciate (ACL) reconstruction at minimum 10-year follow-up.

METHODS

Ninety-three patients who underwent primary unilateral ACL reconstruction with hamstring tendon autograft, transtibial technique and femoral cortico-cancellous screw suspension device (Athrax, Leader Medica s.r.l) between 2010 and 2012 were retrospectively reviewed. Mean follow-up was 136 months. Evaluation was performed using the International Knee Documentation Committee score (IKDC), Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS), Lysholm Knee Score and Tegner Activity Level Scale. Incidence of OA was determined by comparing standard anteroposterior and lateral weightbearing radiographs of the ACL-reconstructed and contralateral knee. Osteoarthritis severity was graded according to the Kellgren-Lawrence (KL) score.

RESULTS

Median Tegner activity level was 6 (5-7). Lysholm and IKDC scores were 100 (95-100) and 90 (86-95), respectively, KOOS was 98 (95-100). Of ACL-reconstructed knees, 41 (50%) had radiographic OA, of which 6 (7.3%) had severe OA (KL III). Of the contralateral healthy knees, 28 (34.1%) had radiographic evidence of OA. Of these 22 (26.8%) and 6 (7.3%) patients had, respectively, KL-I and KL-II. 11 patients (11.8%) underwent subsequent knee surgery: 5 (5.4%) revisions, 3 (3.2%) meniscal surgeries, 2 (2.2%) other surgeries, 1 (1.1%) contralateral ACL reconstruction.

CONCLUSIONS

The study demonstrates that ACL reconstruction with HT autograft and cortico-cancellous screw suspension device determines satisfying clinical results after 10 years of follow-up. From our cohort, a low rate of graft failure has been reported, even though almost 50% of patients present a knee OA greater or equal to grade II KL.

Approximately half of pediatric or adolescent patients undergoing revision anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction return to the same level of sport or higher: A systematic review

PURPOSE

To summarise the surgical techniques and clinical outcomes in paediatric and adolescent patients undergoing revision anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (r-ACLR).

METHODS

Three databases (MEDLINE, PubMed and EMBASE) were searched from inception to 29 July 2023. The authors adhered to the PRISMA and R-AMSTAR guidelines as well as the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions. Data on demographics, surgical details, patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs), rates of instability, rupture and return to sport (RTS) were extracted.

RESULTS

Eight studies comprising 706 (711 knees) patients were included (48.7% female). The mean age at r-ACLR was 17.1 years (range: 16.5-18.0). Autografts (67.5%) were more common than allografts (32.2%) in revision, with bone-patellar tendon-bone (BPTB) being the most prevalent autograft source (59.6%). Bone grafts were used in seven patients (4.8% of 146 patients). The most common femoral and tibial fixation techniques were interference screws (37.6% and 38.1%, of 244 patients, respectively). The most common tunnelling strategy was anatomic (69.1% of 236 patients), and meniscus repairs were performed in 39.7% of 256 patients. The re-rupture rate was 13.0% in 293 patients. RTS at the same level or higher was 51.6% in 219 patients. The mean (SD) Lysholm score was 88.1 (12.9) in 78 patients, the mean (SD) Tegner score was 6.0 (1.6) in 78 patients, and the mean (SD) IKDC score was 82.6 (16.0) in 126 patients.

CONCLUSION

R-ACLR in paediatric and adolescent patients predominantly uses BPTB autografts and interference screw femoral and tibial fixation with concomitant meniscal procedures. Rates of re-rupture and RTS at the same level or higher were 13.0% and 51.6%, respectively. Information from this review can provide orthopaedic surgeons with a comprehensive understanding of the most commonly used operative techniques and their outcomes for revision ACLR in this population.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level IV.

Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction Improves Functional Scores and Quality of Life in Patients Older Than 50 Years of Age

Purpose

To evaluate quality of life changes and functional outcomes of anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction in patients older than 50 years of age with anterior cruciate ligament injury.

Methods

Patients who were older than 50 years of age and had undergone anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction with single-bundle hamstring tendon auto graft surgery between January 2016 and February 2018 were identified. Preoperative Tegner activity scores, Lysholm knee scores, International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) 2000 scores, and Short-Form 36 scores were compared with results that were documented 1 year after surgery.

Results

A total of 35 patients were included (20 male/15 female; mean age 52 years [range 50-59 years]). Patients' preoperative mean Tegner score was 1.48. Mean Tegner score at 1-year follow-up was 3.82. Preoperative mean Lysholm score was 45.8. Postoperative mean Lysholm score was 88. Preoperative mean IKDC 2000 score was 33. Postoperative mean IKDC 2000 score was 82. All of these changes were statistically significant (P < .05). All of the parameter changes at Short Form-36 except for role limitations due to emotional problems were statistically significant.

Conclusions

Improved functional knee scores, quality of life, and psychological status were achieved at anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction in patients older than 50 years of age.

Level of Evidence

Level IV, therapeutic case series.

Contralateral hamstring autografts do not provide benefit compared to ipsilateral hamstring autografts in primary or revision anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: a systematic review

PURPOSE

To evaluate the clinical outcomes of primary or revision ACL reconstruction (ACLR) after contralateral hamstring autografts versus ipsilateral hamstring autograft harvest.

METHODS

Three databases (MEDLINE, PubMed and EMBASE) were searched from inception to April 27th, 2023 for studies investigating contralateral hamstring autografts in primary or revision ACLR. The authors adhered to the PRISMA and R-AMSTAR guidelines as well as the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions. Data on demographics, strength measures, patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs), and rates of positive Lachman test, positive pivot-shift test and graft rupture were extracted. PROMs included Lysholm, International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) and Tegner scores.

RESULTS

Nine studies comprising 371 patients were included in this review. In primary ACLR, there were no significant differences between contralateral and ipsilateral groups in isokinetic hamstring torque in the non-ACLR limb or isokinetic quadriceps torque in both limbs when tested at 60, 90, 120 or 180 degrees/second. Isokinetic hamstring torque in the non-ACLR limb was significantly weaker in the contralateral group at six months for primary ACLR; however, these deficits did not persist. There were no significant differences in postoperative median Tegner scores and Lysholm scores between contralateral and ipsilateral groups in primary ACLR. There were no significant differences in postoperative median Tegner, mean Lysholm and IKDC scores between groups in revision ACLR. There were no significant differences in positive Lachman, positive pivot-shift and rupture rates in primary ACLR between groups. Rates of positive Lachman and pivot-shift were slightly higher in the contralateral than ipsilateral group for revision ACLR.

CONCLUSION

Contralateral hamstring autografts results in comparable muscle strength to ipsilateral hamstring autografts, with the exception of weaker hamstring strengths in the early postoperative period. Patient-reported outcome measures were similar between the two groups across both primary and revision ACLR, with rates of instability and failure being similar between groups for primary ACLR. Contralateral hamstring grafts do not provide additional benefit when compared to ipsilateral options for either primary or revision ACLR, and should be used only in select circumstances including insufficient ipsilateral hamstring grafts or situations where quadriceps or patella autografts are not optimal.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level IV.