Role of anterolateral reconstruction in patients undergoing anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction

There is renewed interest in anterolateral reconstruction (ALR) for patients undergoing anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. This is the result of isolated ACL reconstruction and double-bundle reconstruction providing inadequate control over the pivot shift, and recent anatomical and biomechanical studies on the anterolateral ligament (ALL) and its role in the knee's rotational stability. From a technical point of view, ALR can be performed either as a continuity of the intra-articular ACL reconstruction or an independent procedure. The typical peripheral grafts (gracilis and semitendinosus tendons, iliotibial band) can be used. The femoral tunnel must be posterior and proximal to the lateral epicondyle, and the tibial tunnel on a line joining Gerdy's tubercle with the ALL's tibial insertion. Tensioning and fixation are done with the knee near full extension and the tibia in neutral rotation. The ALR complication rate reported in older studies (pain, hematoma, scar damage) has been reduced. Relative to isolated ACL reconstruction, ALR does not alter the infection or stiffness rate, and it reduces the re-injury rate and secondary meniscal damage rate. Analysis of the literature has not shown an increased rate of osteoarthritis after ALR. The objective and functional outcomes are equal to those after isolated ACL reconstruction. Control over rotation is improved by adding ALR and the return to pivot sports appears to be more successful. While the indications must still be refined, ALR can be proposed to young patients undergoing ACL reconstruction who participate in high-intensity pivot sports, have a high-grade pivot shift or who have a failed ACL reconstruction.