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Published on: April 30, 2014
Anterior cruciate ligament radiofrequency thermal shrinkage: a short-term follow-up
Eugene Farng1, Stephen A Hunt, Donald J Rose
1Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, New York University School of Medicine, The New York University-Hospital for Joint Diseases, New York, USA.
Purpose:
To review the results of 34 patients who underwent radiofrequency thermal shrinkage (RFTS) for treatment of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) laxity in the attenuated and partially torn ACL.
Type Of Study:
Retrospective cross-sectional survey performed at least 6 months after treatment.
Methods:
Patients with recurrent instability after attenuation of ACL autografts and partially torn ACLs were treated with RFTS. Follow-up included subjective questionnaires (International Knee Documentation Committee [IKDC], Tegner, and Lysholm) and objective clinical tests (IKDC, KT-1000, pivot-shift, Lachman, single-leg hop).
Results:
Mean follow-up was 21.4 months. Based on IKDC and subjective evaluation, 18 of 20 (90%) partially torn ACLs and 10 of 14 reconstructed ACLs (71%) treated with RTFS were judged to have good or excellent knee function (overall 82%). ACL laxity based on KT-1000 was less successful, with 15 of 20 (75%) partially torn ACLs and 8 of 12 (66%) reconstructed ACLs considered successful.
Conclusions:
With no major complications in this study, we conclude that RFTS for treatment of ACL laxity is a well-tolerated procedure with success rates around 71% to 90% in selected patients. RFTS may be offered as a less-extensive alternative to patients being considered for ACL reconstruction who have either attenuated or partially torn ligaments, especially in the athletically low-demand population.
Level Of Evidence:
Level IV, case series.