Outcomes of ACL Reconstruction With Fixed Versus Variable Loop Button Fixation

Suspensory femoral fixation of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) grafts with fixed loop button and variable loop button devices has gained popularity for ACL reconstruction. This study examined these 2 methods of fixation to determine their effect on graft laxity and patient-reported outcome scores. A database search was performed to identify patients who had undergone ACL reconstruction with either a fixed loop or a variable loop button technique performed by the primary surgeon. Lysholm, Tegner, and 12-Item Short Form Health Survey scores were obtained, and KT-1000 knee ligament arthrometer (MEDmetric, San Diego, California) mechanical knee testing was performed. Results were compared with the uninjured knee. Of the 112 patients who were identified, 91 met the study criteria. Of these patients, 57 completed KT-1000 knee testing, 33 in the variable group and 24 in the fixed group. The average KT-1000 value for the variable group was 0.38 mm, and the average for the closed group was 0.92 mm (P=.19; 95% confidence interval, -0.28 to 1.35). Among the 19 patients in the variable group and the 13 in the closed group who completed the subjective outcomes questionnaires, no statistically significant difference was found. Clinically lax knees (KT-1000>3 mm) were found in 6.1% and 12.5% of patients in the variable group and the fixed group, respectively (P=.2). The variable group had a rerupture rate of 4.7%, whereas the fixed group had a rerupture rate of 8.7% (P=.21). The study found no statistical difference in ACL graft laxity or postoperative functional outcomes between grafts fixed with the variable loop or fixed loop button technique. [Orthopedics. 2017; 40(2):e275-e280.].