Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction Using Lateral Extra-Articular Procedures: A Systematic Review

Background and Objectives: The present systematic review investigated the efficacy of lateral extra-articular tenodesis (LET) and anterolateral ligament (ALL) as lateral extra-articular procedures (LEAPs) for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. ACL reconstruction using LEAP may reduce graft rupture and rotatory laxity and allow a quicker return to sports. The outcomes of interest were patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs), return to sport, laxity, failure rate, and safety profile. Materials and Methods: The present systematic review followed the 2020 PRISMA guidelines. In December 2024, PubMed, EMBASE, and Web of Science were accessed without constraints. All clinical investigations evaluating LEAP for ACL reconstruction were considered. Only studies that considered LET and ALL as LEAP were considered. Only studies using a hamstring tendon autograft associated with LET or ALL were considered. Results: Data from 27 clinical studies (3423 patients) were retrieved. The mean length of follow-up was 61.8 ± 39.5 months. ACL reconstruction using LEAP led to a statistically significant improvement in the Lysholm score (p < 0.01) and IKDC (p < 0.01). The mean joint laxity, as measured by the arthrometer, was 1.5 ± 1.8 mm. Finally, 72.3% (623 of 668) of patients returned to their pre-injury level of sport at a mean of 6.3 ± 4.4 months. At the last follow-up, the LET group showed greater IKDC (p = 0.04). On the other hand, there was a statistically significant greater rate of patients positive to the Lachman test (p < 0.01), return to sport (p < 0.01), and reoperation (p = 0.01). No significant differences were found in Lysholm scores (p = 0.6), Tegner scores (p = 0.2), arthrometer measurements (p = 0.2), Pivot shift test results (p = 0.1), time to return to sport (p = 0.3), and failure rates (p = 0.7). Conclusions: LEAP for ACL reconstructions seems to be effective and safe. Most patients returned to their pre-injury level of sport after a mean of 6 months. LET-based ACL reconstruction may be associated with greater clinical outcomes and a higher reoperation rate compared to ALL-based reconstruction.