Anterior Cruciate Ligament Repair With Internal Bracing Augmentation.

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic Surgery
• Sports Medicine
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• Increasing incidence of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries, often with meniscal pathologies.
• ACL repair re-emerges as a viable option due to anatomical restoration and reduced donor site morbidity.
• Internal brace augmentation enhances ACL repair strength, ligamentization, and stability for proximal tears.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe and evaluate the technique of augmenting ACL repair with an internal brace for proximal avulsions.
• To highlight the indications for surgical intervention in ACL insufficiency.
• To present the surgical technique for internal brace-augmented ACL repair.

Main Methods:

• Surgical technique involves preserving the ACL stump, microfracturing the footprint, and passing sutures through ACL bundles.
• Femoral attachment is restored using sutures passed through a drilled tunnel.
• Tibial fixation is achieved using a suture anchor after passing fiber tape through a pre-drilled tunnel.

Main Results:

• Expected outcomes include improved knee-specific quality of life within two years.
• Patients anticipate enhanced knee stability and a successful return to activities.
• The technique aims to protect the native ACL and act as a secondary stabilizer.

Conclusions:

• Advancements in ACL understanding support considering augmentation techniques for improved outcomes.
• Internal brace augmentation offers a method to restore native anatomy in select proximal ACL avulsions.
• This approach holds potential for enhancing patient recovery and function post-ACL repair.