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Updated: May 21, 2025
Author Spotlight: Implementing the Enhanced Recovery After Surgery Concept in Rehabilitation Following Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction
Published on: March 1, 2024
Outcomes of Multiply Revised ACL Reconstruction with Quadriceps Tendon Autograft plus Lateral Extra-articular
Sailesh V Tummala1, Joseph C Brinkman1, Romir Parmar1
1Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Phoenix, Arizona, USA.
Background:
The number of multiply revised anterior cruciate ligament reconstructions (rrACLRs) performed each year continues to increase. The most reliable graft type and surgical technique in the young, active patient remains to be determined.
Purpose:
To determine the outcomes of rrACLR using quadriceps tendon (QT) autograft with lateral extra-articular tenodesis (LET).
Study Design:
Case series; Level of evidence, 4.
Methods:
A retrospective review was performed of all competitive athletes undergoing rrACLR with QT autograft and LET at a single institution with a minimum follow-up of 2 years. Patient demographics, physical examination, and radiological findings, and previous surgical details were documented. Patient outcomes were noted, including the International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) and Lysholm scores, ability to return to sport and return at the same level of play, retear rate, and other complications.
Results:
A total of 19 rrACLRs were performed and met inclusion criteria in the 10-year study period. All participants were high school, collegiate, or professional athletes with a mean age of 22 years, and 63.2% were female. The mean follow-up was 42.3 months, and IKDC scores increased from 51.6 preoperatively to 74.7 at the final follow-up (P < .001). Likewise, the Lysholm score increased significantly from a preoperative value of 53.6 to 76.8 at the final follow-up (P < .001). Return to play was possible in 52.6% of the patients at a mean of 11.5 months, with 31.6% returning to the same or higher level of play. One (5.3%) patient experienced a recurrent ACL tear, and 2 (10.5%) experienced a contralateral tear. Arthrofibrosis requiring surgical intervention occurred in 26.3% of the athletes.
Conclusion:
Short- to midterm results demonstrated that competitive athletes who received an rrACLR using a QT autograft with LET had statistically significant improvements in both IKDC and Lysholm scores, with more than half of patients being able to return to sport and nearly a third returning at the same or higher level of play. In the setting of a third ACL reconstruction, quadriceps tendon autograft with LET is a reasonable option even in high-risk patients.
