Editorial Commentary: Anterior Cruciate Ligament Repair or Reconstruction With Internal Bracing, for Properly Indicated Patients, Is Safe, Biocompatible, and Biomimetic.

Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction with internal bracing (IB)-and ACL repair with IB when indicated-reduces graft or repair failure. IB is safe and protects ligament reconstructions and repairs. The IB construct should not be misunderstood as a synthetic ligament. To be effective, suture tape must be independently secured with the knee in full extension, reflecting the terminal length of the ACL. Regardless of graft type, the graft must be cyclically tensioned independent of the IB to allow for creep, and when properly performed, this significantly increases the ultimate tensile strength of the construct and reduces graft elongation, without stress shielding. Thus, the generic term "suture augmentation" may be misleading because the successful results reported apply to the IB technique. In our experience, the failure rate after ACL reconstruction with IB is 1% at the 5-year follow-up period. Notably, these results were achieved without an additional lateral extra-articular procedure.

Incidence of and Risk Factors for Arthrogenic Muscle Inhibition in Acute Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries: A Cross-Sectional Study and Analysis of Associated Factors From the SANTI Study Group.

BACKGROUND: Arthrogenic muscle inhibition (AMI) is a process in which neural inhibition after injury or surgery to the knee results in quadriceps activation failure and knee extension deficit. PURPOSE: To determine the incidence and spectrum of the severity of AMI after acute anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury using the Sonnery-Cottet classification, to determine the interobserver reliability of the classification system, and to investigate potential important factors associated with AMI after ACL injury. STUDY DESIGN: Case-control study; Level of evidence, 3. METHODS: Consecutive patients who had an acute ACL injury between October 2021 and February 2022 were considered for study inclusion. Eligible patients underwent a standardized physical examination at their first outpatient appointment. This included an assessment of quadriceps inhibition, identification of any extension deficits, and grading of AMI and its reversibility according to the Sonnery-Cottet classification. RESULTS: A total of 300 consecutive patients with acute ACL ruptures were prospectively enrolled in the study. Of them, 170 patients (56.7%) had AMI. Patients evaluated with AMI showed a significantly inferior Lysholm score, International Knee Documentation Committee score, Simple Knee Value, and Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score than patients without AMI (P < .0001). Multivariate analysis revealed that the presence of effusion, concomitant injuries, and high pain scores were associated with a significantly greater risk of AMI. Additional associations with the presence of AMI included a short duration between injury and evaluation, the use of crutches, and using a pillow as a support at night. In contrast, a previous ACL injury was associated with significantly lower odds of developing AMI (OR, 0.025; 95% CI, 0-0.2; P = .014). Among the 170 patients with AMI, 135 patients (79%) showed a resolution of their inhibition at the end of the consultation after application of simple exercises; the remaining 35 patients required specific rehabilitation. Interobserver reliability of the classification system was almost perfect (95% CI, 0.86-0.99). CONCLUSION: AMI occurs in over half of patients with acute ACL injuries. When it occurs, it is easily reversible in the majority of patients with simple exercises targeted at abolishing AMI. The presence of "red flags" should increase the index of suspicion for the presence of AMI, and these include the presence of an effusion, high pain scores, a short time between injury and evaluation, multiligament injuries, the use of crutches, and using a pillow as a support at night. Patients with a history of ipsilateral or contralateral ACL injury are at a significantly lower risk of AMI than those with a first-time ACL injury.

Outcomes of Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction With Independently Tensioned Suture Tape Augmentation at 5-Year Follow-up.

BACKGROUND: Reconstruction using autograft remains the gold standard surgical treatment for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries. However, up to 10% to 15% of patients will suffer a graft failure in the future. Cadaveric studies have demonstrated that the addition of suture tape augmentation to ACL autograft constructs can increase graft strength and reduce elongation under cyclical loading. PURPOSE/HYPOTHESIS: This study aimed to investigate the clinical outcomes and rerupture rates after ACL reconstruction (ACLR) with suture tape augmentation. We hypothesized that augmentation with suture tape would lead to lower rerupture rates. STUDY DESIGN: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. METHODS: Patients undergoing primary ACLR using hamstring or patellar tendon autografts augmented with suture tape between 2015 and 2019 were recruited prospectively. Patients with multiligament injuries or a concomitant lateral extra-articular procedure were excluded. Patients were observed in person for 6 months, and patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) were collected at 2 and 5 years postoperatively. All patients were contacted, and records were reviewed to determine the incidence of graft failure. PROMs collected were as follows: Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS), Veterans RAND 12-Item Health Survey (VR-12), Tegner and Marx activity scores, and visual analog scale for pain (VAS). RESULTS: A total of 97 patients, with a mean age of 34.7 (±13.4) years, were included (76% men; 52 hamstring and 45 patellar tendon grafts). The mean graft diameter was 8 (±1) mm. There was 1 rerupture (1.1%) out of the 90 patients who were contactable at a mean of 5 years postoperatively. Median KOOS scores at 2 years were as follows: Pain, 94; Symptoms, 86; Activities of Daily Living, 99; Sport and Recreation, 82; and Quality of Life, 81. The postoperative scores were significantly higher than the preoperative scores (P < .001). The VR-12 Physical score improved from 43 preoperatively to 55 at 2 years and remained at 56 at 5 years. The VAS pain, Tegner, and Marx scores were 0, 6, and 9, respectively, at 2 years postoperatively. There was no difference in PROMs between graft types. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates encouraging results of suture tape augmentation of autograft ACLR for both hamstring and patellar tendon grafts. The failure rate of 1.1% at a mean follow-up of 5 years is lower than published rates for reconstruction, and PROMs results are satisfactory. The technique is safe to use and may permit a return to the preinjury sporting level with a lower chance of reinjury.

Technique for Surgical Dissection and Histological Investigation of the Anterolateral Ligament in the Fetal Knee.

There is growing evidence into the structure and function of the anterolateral ligament (ALL) of the knee. However, debate still exists about the anatomical characteristics, biomechanical role, and even the existence of the ALL, despite numerous cadaveric, biomechanical, and clinical studies. This article describes, with video illustration, the surgical dissection of the ALL in human fetal lower limbs, including determination of detailed anatomical and histological features of the ALL during fetal development. The ALL was clearly identified in dissected fetal knees, and histologic analysis shows well-organized, dense collagenous tissue fibers with elongated fibroblasts, consistent with the properties of a ligament.

Posterolateral Bundle Resection for an Anterior Cruciate Ligament Ganglion Cyst.

The incidence of intra-articular ganglion cysts of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is low and symptomatic presentation of this pathology is even lower. Nevertheless, symptomatic cases pose a real challenge for the orthopaedic community, as no general consensus exists regarding the most appropriate treatment. The purpose of this Technical Note is to describe the surgical treatment of an ACL ganglion cyst by arthroscopic resection of the entire posterolateral bundle of the ACL in a figure-of-four position after conservative treatment has failed.

Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction and Accelerated Rehabilitation with InternalBrace™ Augmentation in a Professional Footballer.

INTRODUCTION: Interest in anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) repair has been increasing as an alternative to traditional reconstructive techniques and encouraging results have been demonstrated using internal bracing with suture tape augmentation (FiberTape®, Arthrex, Naples, Florida). ACL repair is challenging if the rupture is mid-substance or distal. We describe the case of a hybrid ACL reconstruction with internal brace augmentation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective case report documents the rehabilitation process of a 31-year-old professional footballer who had an isolated ACL rupture. The patient underwent a hybrid ACL reconstruction with bone-patellar tendon-bone autograft and suture tape augmentation 10 days after his injury. A task-based rehabilitation programme defined by six progressive phases relevant to performance-based outcome measures was undertaken. Each phase had clear, functional, progressive goals incorporating exercises to improve mobility, neuromuscular control, strength, and a progressive return to running and sport-specific movements. RESULTS: Using the rehabilitation framework outlined, this player produced excellent results in all objective criteria postoperatively and was able to return to unrestricted full team training in under five months (146 days) following surgery. CONCLUSIONS: This case presentation demonstrates the safe and accelerated return to professional football following ACL reconstruction augmented with internal bracing. The player was able to meet all criteria-based aspects of return to play.

Radiographic Incidence of Knee Osteoarthritis After Isolated ACL Reconstruction Versus Combined ACL and ALL Reconstruction: A Prospective Matched Study From the SANTI Study Group.

BACKGROUND: Combined anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction (ACLR) and anterolateral ligament reconstruction (ALLR) have demonstrated reduced risk of graft rerupture as compared with isolated ACLR. However, concerns remain that the risk of osteoarthritis (OA) may be increased by the addition of ALLR. PURPOSE/HYPOTHESIS: The aim of this study was to evaluate the incidence of OA with isolated ACLR in comparison with ACLR + ALLR at medium-term follow-up. We hypothesized that there would be no differences between the groups. STUDY DESIGN: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. METHODS: Patients who underwent ACLR + ALLR with hamstring tendon autograft between January 2011 and March 2012 were propensity matched to patients who underwent isolated ACLR with bone-patellar tendon-bone (BPTB) or hamstring tendon autograft in the same period. Medium-term radiographic evaluation was performed using the International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) radiographic OA grading scale, modified Kellgren-Lawrence grade, and the surface fit method to assess percentage of joint space narrowing. Clinical outcomes were assessed with the following measures: IKDC, Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS), Lysholm, Tegner, and ACL Return to Sport after Injury. RESULTS: A total of 80 patients (42 ACLR + ALLR and 38 isolated ACLR) were analyzed with a mean follow-up of 104 months. There was no significant difference between groups for joint space narrowing in the medial or lateral tibiofemoral or lateral patellofemoral (PF) compartment. However, 36.8% in the isolated ACLR group versus 11.9% in the ACLR + ALLR group had narrowing of the medial PF compartment (P = .0118). A lateral meniscal tear increased the risk of lateral tibiofemoral narrowing by nearly 5 times (odds ratio, 4.9; 95% CI, 1.547-19.367; P = .0123). The risk of medial PF narrowing was >4-fold with an isolated ACLR (odds ratio, 4.8; 95% CI, 1.44-19.05; P = .0179). Between the isolated ACLR group and the ACLR + ALLR group, the secondary meniscectomy rate was 13.2% versus 11.9% (not significantly different). There was no difference between groups in KOOS, Tegner, or IKDC scores. There was also no difference between groups for grades of osteoarthritic change for any classification system. Patients who received a BPTB graft had medial PF joint narrowing in 66.7% of cases as compared with 11.9% in those who received ACLR + ALLR (P = 0.118). CONCLUSION: ACLR + ALLR did not increase the risk of OA in the lateral tibiofemoral compartment when compared with an isolated ACLR at medium-term follow-up. Isolated ACLR using BPTB was associated with a significantly increased risk of medial PF joint space narrowing. REGISTRATION: NCT05123456 (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier).

Failure Rates of Repaired Bucket-Handle Tears of the Medial Meniscus Concomitant With Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: A Cohort Study of 253 Patients From the SANTI Study Group With a Mean Follow-up of 94 Months.

BACKGROUND: Failure rates of repaired bucket-handle medial meniscal tears (BHMMTs) concomitant with anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) are as high as 20%. The outcomes of posteromedial portal suture hook repair have not been compared with all-inside repair techniques for this subtype of meniscal lesion. PURPOSE/HYPOTHESIS: The aim of this study was to evaluate the outcomes and failure rates of patients who underwent BHMMT repair concomitant with ACLR using an all-inside technique, suture hook + all-inside technique, or suture hook + outside-in technique. It was hypothesized that no significant differences in failure rates would be found between the groups. STUDY DESIGN: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was performed on patients diagnosed with a BHMMT who underwent meniscal repair during primary ACLR and had a minimum follow-up of 2 years. Patients were grouped based on the meniscal repair technique used: all-inside repair, suture hook + all-inside repair, or suture hook + outside-in repair. At the end of the study period, secondary medial meniscectomy rates were determined. RESULTS: The study population comprised 253 patients who underwent repair of a BHMMT with concomitant ACLR with a mean follow-up of 94.0 ± 47.6 months. A total of 114 patients (45.1%) underwent all-inside repair, 61 patients (24.1%) underwent suture hook + all-inside repair, and 78 patients (30.8%) underwent suture hook + outside-in repair. Overall, there were 36 failures. The failure rates were 20.2%, 14.8%, and 5.1%, respectively (P = .0135). All-inside repairs were >4 times more likely to fail than suture hook + outside-in repairs (hazard ratio [HR], 4.103; 95% CI, 1.369-12.296; P = .0117). Failure was also 3 times higher (HR, 2.943; 95% CI, 1.224-7.075; P = .0159) for patients <30 years of age compared with those aged ≥30 years. An additional anterolateral ligament reconstruction (ALLR) was also found to reduce the failure rate of repaired BHMMTs concomitant with ACLR. CONCLUSION: Combined suture hook + outside-in repair of BHMMTs resulted in significantly fewer failures than all other techniques. Furthermore, age <30 years and no additional ALLR were associated with higher failure rates.

Single AnteroMedial Bundle Biological Augmentation: SAMBBA Plus Technique for Combined ACL Repair and Reconstruction.

This technical note presents the single-anteromedial bundle biological augmentation (SAMBBA)-plus technique, which is a combined anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) repair and ACL reconstruction. Preservation of the native ACL fibers improves vascularity by encircling the ACL graft with synovium that is abundant in vascular-derived stem cells. Retaining the proprioceptive fibers of the native ACL can improve the recovery of joint positioning.

Reduction of a Depressed Femoral Lateral Notch at the Time of Lateral Extra-articular Tenodesis.

We present a surgical technique to address severe lateral femoral notch depressions using a small extension in the lateral approach for Lemaire extra-articular tenodesis in anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. Through this approach, the surgeon is able to obtain good exposure of the lateral femoral condyle, with straightforward access for subchondral reduction, without adding any significant morbidity.

Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction Using Bone-Patella Tendon-Bone Autograft With Press-Fit Femoral Fixation: The Original Chambat Technique.

Patellar tendon grafts have long been considered the gold standard for anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR). This Technical Note describes ACLR using bone-patella tendon-bone (BPTB) autograft with press-fit femoral fixation using an outside-in drilling technique.

Clinical Outcomes After Combined ACL and Anterolateral Ligament Reconstruction Versus Isolated ACL Reconstruction With Bone-Patellar Tendon-Bone Grafts: A Matched-Pair Analysis of 2018 Patients From the SANTI Study Group.

BACKGROUND: Bone-patellar tendon-bone (BPTB) autografts are widely considered the standard for anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR). PURPOSE/HYPOTHESIS: The aims of this study were to compare the clinical outcomes after ACLR with gold standard BPTB autografts versus combined ACLR + anterolateral ligament reconstruction (ALLR) with hamstring tendon (HT) autografts at medium-term follow-up in a large series of propensity-matched patients. The hypothesis was that combined ACLR + ALLR with HT autografts would result in lower graft rupture rates and non-graft rupture-related reoperation rates. STUDY DESIGN: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. METHODS: Patients undergoing combined ACLR + ALLR using HT autografts between January 2003 and December 2019 were propensity matched in a 1:1 ratio to patients undergoing isolated ACLR using BPTB autografts. At the end of the study period, graft ruptures, contralateral knee injuries, and any other reoperations or complications after the index procedure were identified by a search of a prospective database and a review of medical records. RESULTS: A total of 1009 matched pairs were included. The mean duration of follow-up was 101.3 ± 59.9 months. Patients in the isolated group were >3-fold more likely to have graft failure than those in the combined group (hazard ratio, 3.554 [95% CI, 1.744-7.243]; P = .0005). Patients aged <20 years were at a particularly high risk of graft ruptures compared with patients aged >30 years (hazard ratio, 5.650 [95% CI, 1.834-17.241]; P = .0002). Additionally, there was a significantly higher reoperation rate after isolated ACLR than after combined ACLR + ALLR (20.5% vs 8.9%, respectively; P < .0001). The overall rate of subsequent contralateral ruptures was 9.1% after index surgery (isolated: 10.2%; combined: 8.0%; P = .0934), indicating that the risk profiles for both groups were similar. CONCLUSION: Patients who underwent isolated ACLR with BPTB autografts experienced significantly worse graft survivorship and overall reoperation-free survivorship compared with those who underwent combined ACLR + ALLR with HT autografts. The risk of graft ruptures was >3-fold higher in patients who underwent isolated ACLR using BPTB autografts.

Management of the Failed First Revision ACL Reconstruction: Clinical Outcomes of Nonsurgical Management Versus Second Revision ACL Reconstruction From the SANTI Group.

BACKGROUND: The optimum management strategy after failure of revision anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (RACLR) is not clearly defined. The literature evaluating differences in outcomes between surgical and nonsurgical management is sparse. PURPOSE/HYPOTHESIS: The purpose was to evaluate the outcomes of surgical versus nonsurgical management of failed first RACLR. It was hypothesized that the long-term clinical outcomes of second RACLR would be superior with respect to knee stability, return to sport, and patient-reported outcome measures when compared with nonsurgical treatment. STUDY DESIGN: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. METHODS: Patients who experienced failure of first RACLR were evaluated. All participants followed the same rehabilitation protocol regardless of whether they underwent nonsurgical treatment or a second RACLR. Follow-up comprised regular clinical review and a standardized telephone interview at the end of the study period. Patient-reported outcome measures were recorded at the final follow-up. RESULTS: A total of 41 patients with a mean follow-up of 104 ± 52.7 months (range, 40-140 months) were evaluated. Of these, 31 underwent a second RACLR, and 10 patients chose nonsurgical treatment. There was a high rate of return to sport in both groups, but patients undergoing second RACLR had significantly better Tegner (6.35 vs 4.8; P = .012), Lysholm (88.5 vs 78.3; P = .0353), Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) Quality of Life (72.6 vs 56.3; P = .0490), and KOOS Sport and Recreation scores (81.4 vs 62.5; P = .0033). Significantly more patients undergoing second RACLR achieved the Patient Acceptable Symptom State for KOOS Sport and Recreation than those who underwent nonsurgical management (74.2% vs 30%; P = .015). The most important predictor of failure to achieve a good/excellent Lysholm score in multivariate analysis was nonsurgical management (P = .0095). CONCLUSION: Both second RACLR and nonsurgical management of failed first RACLR were associated with high rates of return to sport. However, second RACLR was associated with significantly better functional outcome scores with respect to Tegner, Lysholm, KOOS Quality of Life, and KOOS Sport and Recreation scores compared to nonsurgical management. In addition, nonsurgical treatment was the only significant predictor of failure to achieve a good/excellent Lysholm score at the final follow-up, and this was likely a function of inferior knee stability in that group.

Risk Factors for Anterior Cruciate Ligament Graft Failure in Professional Athletes: An Analysis of 342 Patients With a Mean Follow-up of 100 Months From the SANTI Study Group.

BACKGROUND: Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries are among the most common knee injuries sustained in elite sport, and athletes generally undergo ACL reconstruction (ACLR) to facilitate their return to sport. ACL graft rupture is a career-threatening event for elite athletes. PURPOSE/HYPOTHESIS: The purpose of this study was to determine the risk factors for graft failure in professional athletes undergoing ACLR. It was hypothesized that athletes who underwent combined ACLR with a lateral extra-articular procedure (LEAP) would experience significantly lower rates of graft rupture in comparison with those who underwent isolated ACLR. STUDY DESIGN: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. METHODS: Professional athletes who underwent primary ACLR with a minimum follow-up of 2 years were identified from the Santy database. Patients were excluded if they underwent major concomitant procedures, including multiligament reconstruction surgery or osteotomy. Further ipsilateral knee injury, contralateral knee injury, and any other reoperations or complications after the index procedure were identified by interrogation of the database and review of the medical notes. RESULTS: A total of 342 athletes with a mean follow-up of 100.2 ± 51.9 months (range, 24-215 months) were analyzed. Graft failures totaling 31 (9.1%) were reported, requiring revision surgery because of symptomatic instability. The rate of graft failure was significantly higher when ACLR was not combined with a LEAP (15.5% vs 6.0%; P = .0105) and in athletes aged 21 years or younger (13.8% vs 6.6%; P = .0290). A multivariate analysis was performed using the Cox model and demonstrated that athletes undergoing an isolated ACLR were at >2-fold risk of ACL graft rupture (hazard ratio [HR], 2.678 [1.173; 4.837], P = .0164) when compared with those undergoing a combined ACLR with a LEAP. Additionally, athletes aged ≤21 years were also at >2-fold risk of graft failure (HR, 2.381 [1.313; 5.463]; P = .0068) than those aged >21 years. Sex, sport, and graft type were not found to be significant risk factors for graft failure. CONCLUSION: Professional athletes undergoing isolated ACLR and aged ≤21 years are at >2-fold greater risk of graft failure. Orthopaedic surgeons treating elite athletes should combine an ACLR with a LEAP to improve ACL graft survivorship.

Combined Revision Anterior Cruciate Ligament and Anterolateral Ligament Reconstruction.

There has been a substantial increase in the number of revision anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstructions performed in the past decade. This Technical Note describes combined revision ACL and anterolateral ligament reconstruction using outside-in drilling, which avoids the need for 2-stage revision ACL reconstruction because it allows unconstrained anatomic placement.

All-Arthroscopic Treatment of Combined Posterior Cruciate Ligament and Posterolateral Corner Instability.

Injuries to the posterolateral corner (PLC) of the knee are uncommon, and usually associated with other ligamentous injuries. A combined posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) and PLC tear is the most frequent combination. Several studies describe anatomic reconstructive techniques using an open approach with large incisions and extensive exploration of the posterolateral structures. This Technical Note describes an all-arthroscopic technique as a safe and efficient treatment of combined PCL and PLC instability using the trans-septal approach.

How to Avoid Knee Tunnel Convergence When Performing a Modified Lemaire Extra-Articular Tenodesis.

There has been a significant increase in the number of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction (ACLR) procedures being performed with a lateral extra-articular procedure (LEAP). However, tunnel convergence in combined ACLR and LEAP techniques has been described and can lead to damage to the graft or graft failure. This technical note describes how to avoid knee tunnel convergence when performing a modified Lemaire extra-articular tenodesis using a knotless suture anchor.

Arthroscopic Medial Compartment Drive-Through Sign for Knee Medial Collateral Ligament Complex Injuries.

Acute injuries of the knee medial collateral ligament complex concomitant with anterior cruciate ligament injuries are common. The exact site of the injury may be difficult to diagnose preoperatively on magnetic resonance imaging. This study describes an arthroscopic sign that helps determine the site of the knee medial collateral ligament complex injury. The "medial compartment drive-through sign," visualized during arthroscopy, is described as an excessive opening of the medial compartment. If this excessive opening is above the meniscus, it corresponds to a femoral-sided injury; conversely, if the excessive opening is below the meniscus, then it is a tibial-sided injury. This allows a precise surgical incision to be made, thereby avoiding extensive approaches and possible wound-related complications.

Suture Hook Versus All-Inside Repair for Longitudinal Tears of the Posterior Horn of the Medial Meniscus Concomitant to Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: A Matched-Pair Analysis From the SANTI Study Group.

BACKGROUND: Secondary meniscectomy rates after repair of longitudinal tears of the posterior horn of the medial meniscus (PHMM) performed concomitantly with anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) are reported to be as high as 25% with an all inside repair technique. Posteromedial portal suture hook repair is an emerging technique; however, it is unknown whether it confers a significantly reduced secondary meniscectomy rate compared with the current gold standard. PURPOSE/HYPOTHESIS: The primary objective of this study was to compare the secondary meniscectomy rates of suture hook repair and all inside repair for longitudinal tears of the PHMM performed concomitant to ACLR. The secondary outcome was to determine the risk factors associated with the failure of the repair. It was hypothesized that repair with an all inside device would be associated with higher secondary meniscectomy rates when compared with suture hook repair and that concomitant anterolateral ligament reconstruction (ALLR) would confer improved meniscal repair survivorship. STUDY DESIGN: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. METHODS: Patients with longitudinal tears of the PHMM who underwent meniscal repair during primary ACLR between January 2011 and December 2015 at our institution were eligible for the study. Patients undergoing suture hook repair were propensity matched in a 1:1 ratio to patients who underwent all inside repair. At the end of the study period, secondary meniscectomy rates were determined. RESULTS: The study population comprised 237 matched pairs. The mean follow up was 97.7 ± 17.3 months. Patients who underwent an all inside repair had a >2-fold higher failure rate compared with patients who underwent suture hook repair through a posteromedial portal (31.2% vs 15.6%; P = .0003). Patients in the suture hook repair group undergoing additional ALLR demonstrated a >3-fold higher meniscal repair survival rate compared with all other subgroups (P = .0014). This association was not seen in the all inside repair group. The only statistically significant risk factor for meniscal repair failure was the suture repair technique (hazard ratio, 2.133 [95% CI, 1.383-3.292]; P = .0008). CONCLUSION: Suture hook repair through a posteromedial portal is associated with a significantly lower secondary meniscectomy rate when compared with the all inside meniscal repair of longitudinal tears of the PHMM performed at the time of ACLR. Furthermore, patients in the suture hook repair group who underwent an additional ALLR had a significantly better meniscal repair survivorship compared with all other subgroups.

Medial Patellofemoral Ligament Repair with Suture Tape Augmentation: A Case Series With Five-Year Follow Up.

INTRODUCTION: The medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) is the main restraining force against lateral patellar displacement in the first 20 degrees of knee flexion and is often disrupted following patellar subluxation or dislocation. MPFL reconstruction is commonly performed to restore patellar stability but requires autograft harvest with associated donor site morbidity. The aim of this study was to assess the five-year outcomes of MPFL repair performed with suture tape augmentation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: All patients who underwent isolated MPFL repair for recurrent patellar instability between 2011 and 2017 were included. Patients requiring any additional surgery, such as osteotomy, were excluded. Patient-reported outcomes were measured at two-year follow up using the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome (KOOS) Score, Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), Visual Analogue Pain Scale (VAS-pain), Veterans RAND 12-Item Health Survey (VR-12), Marx Activity Scale, and an overall satisfaction questionnaire. At the end of the study period, any complications or secondary surgeries were determined. RESULTS: Eighteen patients underwent MPFL repair with one lost to follow up. There was a significant improvement in all subscales of the KOOS scoring systems, the WOMAC functional score, and the VR-12 physical score. A significant decrease was seen in the VAS-pain score. A non-significant decrease was seen in the Marx activity scale from pre-injury. The majority of patients reported satisfaction with reduction in pain and return to sporting activities. There were no complications with no further instability episodes. CONCLUSION: This is the first study that describes the five-year follow-up results of patients treated with MPFL repair and suture tape augmentation. Our results show that this technique is an alternative treatment to traditional MPFL reconstruction with comparable outcomes and avoidance of autograft harvest.