Primary All-Soft Tissue Quadriceps Tendon Autograft Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction With Suture Tape Augmentation Resulted in Satisfactory Patient Outcomes and a Low Graft Failure Rate in High School and Collegiate Athletes.

PURPOSE: To evaluate ≥2-year patient outcomes after primary all-soft tissue quadriceps tendon autograft (ASTQ) anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) with suture tape augmentation (STA) in skeletally mature high school and collegiate athletes. METHODS: All high school and collegiate athletes who underwent primary ASTQ ACLR with STA with a minimum of 2-year follow-up were analyzed retrospectively. Patients were administered validated patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) pre- and postoperatively. The minimal clinically important difference was calculated for each PROM based on this study population and applied to the individual patient. Return to sport, subsequent surgical intervention including contralateral ACLR, and KT-1000 arthrometer measurements for knee laxity were collected. Complications were assessed by physical examination, radiologic studies, or obtained via telephone. RESULTS: In total, 60 patients were included in the final data analysis, with a mean age of 16.8 years (95% confidence interval 13-23) and mean final follow-up of 37.1 months (95% confidence interval 33.1-41.1). Twelve patients (20%) required subsequent surgery on the ipsilateral knee, which included 7 patients having a subsequent meniscal procedure and 3 patients who underwent arthrolysis. None sustained a graft failure, and 6 patients sustained a contralateral ACL injury necessitating surgery. All PROMs improved at the final follow-up (P < .001). In addition, KT-1000 arthrometer measurements significantly improved postoperatively at 1-year clinical follow-up (P < .001). Most patients obtained the minimal clinically important difference thresholds for each PROM at the final follow-up. There were 48 patients (80%) who participated in pivoting sports. The return-to-sport rate at same level was 54 patients (90%), with 6 patients (10%) not returning to the same level because of graduation. CONCLUSIONS: ASTQ ACLR with STA in a young athletic patient population may result in a low graft failure rate while maintaining satisfactory patient outcomes at short-term follow-up, including a return to sport at the same level of 90%. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, retrospective case series.

Less Subsequent Revision Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) Reconstruction Following Primary Bone-Patellar Tendon-Bone ACL Reconstruction with Suture Tape Augmentation-A Retrospective Comparative Therapeutic Trial With 5-Year Follow-up.

PURPOSE: To investigate patient outcomes, including revision rate, following primary bone patellar-tendon bone autograft (BPTB) anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) with and without suture tape augmentation (STA) in a young and active cohort. METHODS: All eligible patients who received primary BPTB ACLR with a minimum of 2-year follow-up were included in this retrospective cohort study. All patients receiving STA were augmented with the same device. Patients completed the following patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs): the visual analog scale, the Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation, the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score subscales, and the Tegner activity scale. Anteroposterior knee laxity was assessed using a KT-1000 arthrometer preoperatively and 1-year postoperatively. Posterior tibial slope, femoral tunnel angle, and tibial tunnel placement were calculated for all patients. Subsequent surgical interventions and return to sport (RTS) were obtained from each patient. RESULTS: One hundred fourteen patients (52 BPTB ACLR with STA, 62 traditional BPTB ACLR) with a mean patient age <19 years and a mean final follow-up of ≥5 years were included. Compared with the control group, the STA group demonstrated significantly less subsequent revision ACLR (0 vs. 5, P = .036). All PROMs and KT-1000 measurements improved at final follow-up (P < .001) and were comparable between groups. There were no differences seen in either posterior tibial slope or graft tunnel placement between groups. More than 85% of the patients were able to return to the sport that led to their injury at full capacity with no differences seen in RTS rate, time to RTS, or level of competition between groups. CONCLUSIONS: Compared with traditional BPTB ACLR, additional STA appeared to safely and effectively lead to less subsequent revision ACLR while maintaining acceptable PROMs and objective joint laxity measurements in a young and active patient population. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, retrospective cohort study.

Editorial Commentary: Outcome Thresholds for Minimally Clinically Important Difference and Patent Acceptable Symptomatic State Must Be Adjusted for Age in Patients Having Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction.

Current evidence suggests that performing anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction in the older patient population yields acceptable results both subjectively as well as objectively when compared with a much-younger demographic. It is no surprise that reconstructing the anterior cruciate ligament will result in objectively decreased knee laxity as well as decreased subjective joint instability, but when everything is said and done, patient satisfaction is what really matters. Therefore, achieving the patent acceptable symptomatic state is more important than a "minimal" clinically important difference, particularly as nonsurgical treatment is sometimes an alternative. Moreover, these thresholds must be adjusted so as to be age appropriate to be clinically useful. Alternatively, a simple, patient-reported Single Assessment Numerical Evaluation rating would adjust for age discrepancies, as would asking an anchor question, such as "are you satisfied?"

Clinical Outcome of Meniscus Centralization with Medial Meniscus Root Repair for the Extruded Medial Meniscus.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to 1) describe the patient-reported clinical outcomes following medial meniscus root repair with meniscus centralization, and 2) identify common complications and detail provisional results. METHODS: Patients undergoing medial meniscus root repair with meniscus centralization from 2020 to 2022 were identified using an institutional database. Patients were followed prospectively using postoperative Tegner Activity Scale, visual analogue scale (VAS) for pain, Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score, Joint Replacement (KOOS Jr.), International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) score, a Likert score for improvement, surgery satisfaction, and subsequent surgeries at minimum 1 year follow-up with mean 2-year follow-up. Demographics, injury characteristics, and surgical details were also collected. RESULTS: Twenty-five patients (age: 50 ± 11 years; sex: 76% female; body mass index: 33 ± 8 kg/m2) were included in this study. Postoperative Tegner score was maintained at preoperative levels (P = .233), while VAS at rest, VAS with use, KOOS Jr., and IKDC improved significantly postoperatively (P = .003; P < .001, P < .001, P = .023, respectively). Eighty-eight percent of patients reported subjective improvement in their knee at final follow-up. Postoperative radiographs did not show any significant OA progression, and no patients had undergone a revision meniscus surgery or total knee arthroplasty (TKA) at the time of follow-up. CONCLUSION: At minimum 1-year follow-up and mean 2-year follow-up, patients undergoing medial meniscus root repair with meniscus centralization demonstrated significant postoperative improvements in pain, function, and quality of life and reported high rates of surgery satisfaction. There was no evidence of significant arthritic progression on postoperative imaging, and no patients underwent revision meniscus surgery or TKA. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, case series.

Independent Suture Augmentation With All-Inside Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction Reduces Peak Loads on Soft-Tissue Graft. A Biomechanical Full-Construct Study.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect of suture augmentation (SA) of 7-mm and 9-mm diameter graft on load sharing, elongation, stiffness, and load to failure for all-inside anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) in a biomechanical Study was funded by Arthrex ID: EMEA-16020. full-construct porcine model. METHODS: Bovine tendon grafts, 7-mm and 9-mm diameter, with and without SA were tested using suspensory fixation (n = 8). The independent SA was looped over a femoral button and knotted on a tibial button. Preconditioned constructs were incrementally increased loaded (100N/1,000 cycles) from 100N to 400N for 4,000 cycles (0.75 Hz) with final pull to failure (50 mm/min). Isolated mechanical and optical measurements during construct loading of the SA allowed to quantify the load and elongation range during load sharing. Construct elongation, stiffness and ultimate strength were further assessed. RESULTS: Load sharing in 7-mm grafts started earlier (200N) with a significant greater content than 9-mm grafts (300N) to transfer 31% (125N) and 20% (80N) of the final load (400N) over the SA. Peak load sharing with SA reduced total elongation for 7-mm (1.90 ± 0.27 mm vs 4.77 ± 1.08 mm, P < .001) and 9-mm grafts (1.50 ± 0.33 mm vs 3.57 ± 0.54 mm, P < .001) and adequately increased stiffness of 7-mm (113.4 ± 9.3 N/mm vs 195.9 ± 9.8 N/mm, P < .001) to the level of augmented 9-mm grafts (208.9 ± 13.7N/mm). Augmentation of 7-mm (835 ± 92N vs 1,435 ± 228N, P < .001) and 9-mm grafts (1,044 ± 49N vs 1,806 ± 157N, P < .001) significantly increased failure loads. CONCLUSIONS: Load sharing with SA occurred earlier (200N vs 300N) in lower stiffness 7-mm grafts to carry 31% (7-mm) and 20% (9-mm) of the final load (400N). Loads until peak load sharing were transferred over the graft. Augmented constructs showed significantly lower construct elongation and increased stiffness without significance between variable grafts. Failure load of augmented grafts were significantly increased. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Suture tape ligament augmentation may potentially protect biological grafts from excessive peak loading and elongation, thus reducing the risk of graft tears.

Editorial Commentary: Independent Femoral Tunnel Drilling Avoids Anterior Cruciate Ligament Graft Malpositioning: Advice From a Transtibial Convert.

Optimal femoral anterior cruciate ligament graft placement has been extensively studied. The champions of transtibial reconstruction debate the backers of anteromedial portal and outside-in drilling. The holy grail is footprint restoration and how we best to get there. To me, creating the femur independently provides the best chance of finding that footprint by being unconstrained by the tibia. Anterior cruciate ligament surgery is challenging enough; decrease intraoperative stress and increase your likelihood of femoral footprint restoration by drilling it though the anteromedial portal.

Editorial Commentary: Repair the Anterior Cruciate Ligament When You Can: Add Suture Tape Augmentation and Dress for Success.

Preserving the native anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) through primary repair has seen a resurgence over the past few years-rightfully so-given the inherent advantages of repairing the ACL over reconstruction. The issue is how best to repair the ACL and protect it to optimize healing. Suture tape augmentation techniques have shown promising low failure rates, and recent biomechanical studies have demonstrated benefits of the suture tape and optimal fixation methods for ACL repair. So, I believe it is time for orthopaedic surgeons to strongly consider routine suture tape augmentation use for improved outcomes with primary ACL repair.

All-Inside Quadrupled Semitendinosus Autograft Shows Stability Equivalent to Patellar Tendon Autograft Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: Randomized Controlled Trial in Athletes 24 Years or Younger.

PURPOSE: To compare clinical outcomes of knee anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) autograft reconstruction using all-inside quadrupled semitendinosus (AIST) versus bone-patellar tendon-bone (BPTB) in a high-risk athletic population 24 years or younger. METHODS: Skeletally mature candidates younger than 24 years old with an ACL tear were randomized into either the AIST (n = 32) or BPTB (n = 32) group and were followed for 2 years. Magnetic resonance imaging scans were obtained at 1-year follow-up, and radiographs were obtained at 2-year follow-up. All surgeries were performed by a single surgeon using an anteromedial portal to establish the femoral tunnel. The primary outcome measure was KT-1000 stability testing. Secondary outcome measures included International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) Knee Evaluation Form, IKDC Subjective Form, Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score, Marx Activity Scale, visual analog pain scale, and SF-12 (Mental and Physical). RESULTS: At 2-year follow-up, no statistical difference existed with KT-1000-measured side-to-side laxity between AIST (0.3 ± 0.7 mm, 95% confidence interval 0.0-1.0 mm) and BPTB (0.0 ± 0.8 mm, confidence interval CI -0.3 to 1.1 mm) (P = .197). In addition, no statistical differences between the groups were found for IKDC Subjective Form, Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score, Marx, SF-12 Mental, SF-12 Physical, or with regards to imaging findings. Patients with BPTB reported significantly greater postoperative pain scores at days 2 (P = .049), 3 (P = .004), and 7 (P = .015) and had significantly greater kneeling pain at 2 years (P < .019). A return to sport questionnaire at 2 years revealed no significant difference between the groups for returning to preoperative level of sport activity (83% AIST, 74% BPTB; P = .415). Two graft retears (7%; P = .222) occurred in the AIST group. Three patients in the BPTB group experienced ACL tears in the contralateral knee (9%; P = .239). CONCLUSIONS: ACL reconstruction with an all-inside quadrupled semitendinosus autograft construct is equivalent to patellar BPTB autograft based on KT-1000 stability testing in athletes 24 years or younger. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: randomized controlled trial with 92% 2-year follow-up, Level I.

Editorial Commentary: Anterior Cruciate Ligament Graft Reinforcement: A New Era Supported by Science.

The use of suture tape for soft tissue reinforcement during anterior cruciate ligament surgery is amassing science from translational models to bench biomechanical studies and now clinical outcomes. Suture tape reinforcement is not a synthetic ligament replacement. The primary goal of adding suture tape is for anterior cruciate ligament graft protection during the healing and remodeling phase, especially in young, active patients, to minimize the risk of graft retears. Accepting new techniques requires critical review of available science, as well as an inherent belief that there always is a better way. New technology supported by foundational scientific evidence and focused medical education is essential for successful clinical outcomes.

A Biomechanical Study of the Role of the Anterolateral Ligament and the Deep Iliotibial Band for Control of a Simulated Pivot Shift With Comparison of Minimally Invasive Extra-articular Anterolateral Tendon Graft Reconstruction Versus Modified Lemaire Reconstruction After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction.

PURPOSE: To determine whether the deep fibers of the iliotibial band (dITB) or the anterolateral ligament (ALL) provides more control of a simulated pivot shift and whether a minimally invasive anterolateral reconstruction (ALR) designed to functionally restore the ALL and dITB is mechanically equivalent to a modified Lemaire reconstruction (MLR). METHODS: Six matched pairs of cadaveric knees (N = 12) were subjected to a simulated pivot shift to evaluate anteroposterior translation; internal rotation; and valgus laxity at 0°, 30°, and 90° of flexion. The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) was sectioned in all specimens, and retesting was performed. Within each pair, sequential sectioning of the ALL and dITB was performed, followed by testing; the contralateral knee was sectioned in reverse order. Knees underwent ACL reconstruction (ACLR) and repeat testing. Then, MLR (n = 6) or ALR (n = 6) was performed on matched pairs for final testing. RESULTS: Sectioning of the dITB versus ALL (after ACL sectioning) produced significantly more anterior translation at all flexion angles (P = .004, P = .012, and P = .011 for 0°, 30°, and 90°, respectively). The ACL-plus-dITB sectioned state had significantly more internal rotation at 0° versus ACL plus ALL (P = .03). ACLR plus ALR restored native anterior translation at all flexion angles. ACLR plus MLR restored anterior translation to native values only at 0° (P = .34). We found no statistically significant differences between ACLR plus ALR and ACLR plus MLR at any flexion angle for internal rotation or valgus laxity compared with the native state. CONCLUSIONS: ALR of the knee in conjunction with ACLR can return the knee to its native biomechanical state without causing overconstraint. The dITB plays a more critical role in controlling anterior translation and internal rotation at 0° than the ALL. The minimally invasive ALR was functionally equivalent to MLR for restoration of knee kinematics after ACLR. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The dITB is more important than the ALL for control of the pivot shift. A minimally invasive extra-articular tendon allograft reconstruction was biomechanically equivalent to a modified Lemaire procedure for control of a simulated pivot shift.

Editorial Commentary: Filling the Void in Translational Research for Lateral Extra-articular Tenodesis for Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: Are We Saturated With Biomechanical Studies?

Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) graft failure rates remain unacceptably high in certain populations, and researchers are examining the effect that the anterolateral ligament (ALL) has on knee stability following ACL reconstruction. Currently, most available research examining the ALL has focused on cadaveric biomechanical kinematic studies, including the effect of surgical techniques for ALL reconstruction/lateral extra-articular tenodesis (LET). However, it is critical for ongoing and future research to focus on clinical outcome measures relating to individuals who have had ALL reconstruction or LET along with their ACL reconstructions. This is what will benefit clinicians most as to the appropriate indications for when to perform an extra-articular stabilization procedure in combination with ACL reconstruction.

Independent Suture Tape Reinforcement of Small and Standard Diameter Grafts for Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: A Biomechanical Full Construct Model.

PURPOSE: To compare the dynamic elongation, stiffness behavior, and ultimate failure load of standard with small diameter soft tissue grafts for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction with and without high-strength suture tape reinforcement. METHODS: Both a tripled "small" diameter and a "standard" quadrupled tendon graft with and without suture tape reinforcement were tested using suspensory fixation (n = 8 each group). The suture tape was passed through the suspensory fixation button on the femur and tibia to ensure independent (safety belt) fixation from the graft in vitro. The testing of the constructs included position-controlled cyclic loading, force-controlled cyclic loading at 250 N and 400 N as well as pull to failure (50 mm/min). RESULTS: Reinforcement of a small diameter graft significantly reduced dynamic elongation of 38% (1.46 ± 0.28 mm vs 2.34 ± 0.44 mm, P < .001) and 50% (2.55 ± 0.44 mm vs 5.06 ± 0.67 mm, P < .001) after the 250 N and 400 N load protocol, respectively. Reinforcement of a standard diameter tendon graft decreased dynamic elongation of 15% (1.59 ± 0.34 mm vs 1.86 ± 0.17 mm, P = .066) and 26% (2.62 ± 0.44 mm vs 3.55 ± 0.44 mm, P < .001). No significant difference was found between both reinforced models. The ultimate failure loads of small and standard diameter reinforced grafts were 1592 ± 105 N and 1585 ± 265 N, resulting in a 64% (P < .001) and 40% (P < .001) increase compared with their respective controls. CONCLUSIONS: Independent suture tape reinforcement of soft tissue grafts for ACL reconstruction leads to significantly reduced elongation and higher ultimate failure load according to in vivo native ACL function data without stress-shielding the soft tissue graft. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: If in vitro results are translational to human knees in vivo, the suture tape reinforcement technique for ACL reconstruction may decrease the risk of graft tears, particularly in the case of small diameter soft tissue grafts.

A simple cinch is superior to a locking loop for meniscus root repair: a human biomechanical comparison of suture constructs in a transtibial pull-out model.

PURPOSE: To determine the cyclic displacement and ultimate failure loads of two clinically relevant suture configurations for repair of medial and lateral meniscus root tears. METHODS: A total of 10 matched pair fresh-frozen, human meniscus specimens were randomly assigned to either simple cinch or locking loop meniscus-suture fixation techniques for transtibial pull-out repair in either medial (n = 10 matched pairs) or lateral (n = 10 matched pairs) meniscal root tears. The menisci were subjected to cyclic tensioning at 10-30 N for 1000 cycles at 0.5 Hz, and then post-cycling load to failure was performed at a tensile rate of 0.5 mm/s. RESULTS: For both the medial and lateral meniscus, there was significantly less displacement with the cinch stitch at 100, 500 and 1000 cycle counts (p < 0.05). In respect to ultimate load, there was no significant difference in type of repair between the two suture configurations. When comparing ultimate load to failure from the medial to the lateral side, the ultimate load to failure was significantly greater for both suture configurations in the lateral meniscus root repair (p < 0.05). However, there was no significant difference in cyclic displacement between the medial and lateral meniscus. CONCLUSIONS: The cinch stitch was significantly better at resisting displacement compared to the locking loop stitch configuration, and had similar ultimate load to failure. The lateral meniscus root repair construct has higher failure loads compared to the medial meniscus, independent of suture configuration.

Suspensory Versus Interference Screw Fixation for Arthroscopic Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction in a Translational Large-Animal Model.

PURPOSE: To compare all-inside cortical-button suspensory fixation in sockets versus interference screw fixation in tunnels with respect to clinical, histologic, and biomechanical assessments of all-soft tissue (AST) tendon autografts used for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction in a canine model. METHODS: By use of a validated "hybrid" double-bundle ACL reconstruction technique (reconstruction of the anteromedial bundle with preservation of the native posterolateral bundle), dogs were randomly assigned to undergo either suspensory fixation in sockets (n = 6) or interference screw fixation in tunnels (n = 6). Contralateral knees were used as nonoperated controls (n = 12). Quadrupled extensor tendon autografts were used for both ACL reconstruction groups. Dogs were assessed radiographically and functionally and humanely euthanized at 12 weeks after surgery for arthroscopic, gross, biomechanical, and histologic assessments. RESULTS: Histologic assessments showed significantly (P = .018) better graft incorporation with 4-zone direct healing to bone for the grafts using suspensory fixation in sockets (16.3 ± 1.5) compared with the grafts using interference screw fixation in tunnels (14.2 ± 2.1). Furthermore, graft healing to bone was significantly better at the aperture (P = .05) and mid-socket (P = .01) location for the group that underwent suspensory fixation in sockets (16.1 ± 1.8 and 16.4 ± 1.9, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Suspensory fixation of AST grafts in sockets was associated with superior tendon-to-bone healing compared with interference screw fixation in tunnels, with 4-zone direct graft healing to bone seen for femoral and tibial sockets only in the suspensory-fixation group. Biomechanical properties were similar between groups. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: These data provide evidence suggesting that an all-inside ACL reconstruction technique using adjustable-loop cortical-button suspensory fixation in bone sockets has potential clinical advantages for ACL reconstruction using AST grafts.

Posterior single-incision semitendinosus harvest for a quadrupled anterior cruciate ligament graft construct: determination of graft length and diameter based on patient sex, height, weight, and body mass index.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to determine final graft length and diameter for a quadrupled semitendinosus anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) construct harvested from a single-incision posterior approach with correlation to preoperative patient variables of sex, height, weight, and body mass index (BMI). METHODS: This was a retrospective review of data collected prospectively on 60 patients undergoing all-inside quadrupled semitendinosus autograft ACL reconstruction. RESULTS: The mean values of the final quadrupled constructs were a length of 70.3 mm and a diameter of 9.0 mm. Separated based on sex, female versus male final mean graft length was 68.1 mm versus 71.7 mm, and final mean graft diameter was 8.6 mm and 9.3 mm, respectively. In both sexes, patient height and weight were strongly correlated to final construct diameter (r = 0.60 and r = 0.56) and length (r = 0.47 and r = 0.44), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: A single-incision posterior harvest approach allowed for retrieval of semitendinosis tendon autografts of sufficient dimension to allow for construction of quadrupled ACL grafts of a diameter of 8 mm or more in 95% of cases. In addition, desired graft length was achieved in all cases. Graft dimensions had moderately strong direct correlations to patient height and weight, with significant size differences noted between the sexes. We believe this to be helpful data for surgeons who might consider performing a quadrupled semitendinosus autograft ACL reconstruction. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, therapeutic case series.

Open Medial Meniscotibial Ligament Repair With Concomitant Open Superficial Medial Collateral Ligament Repair With Internal Brace Augmentation.

The medial collateral ligament (MCL) is the most commonly injured ligament in the knee. Historically, nonsurgical management for these injuries has been favored for a majority of grade I-III sprains, particularly femoral-based. However, when coupled with other injuries such as meniscotibial ligament tears or distal Stener type avulsion tears, early surgical management for these cases is recommended. This will allow for stabilization and protection of the meniscus in addition to preventing residual valgus laxity, especially related to more severe Stener-like avulsions of the superficial MCL that can be seen with meniscotibial ligament tears. Utilizing an open approach, meniscotibial repair with suture anchors with internal brace augmentation for the MCL repair can provide a strong final construct, and a safe and fast recovery.

Primary Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction with Suture Tape Augmentation: A Case Series of 252 Patients.

Anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) using suture tape augmentation to internally brace is a relatively new technique. The primary goal of this study was to prospectively collect patient-reported outcomes (PROs) and surgical history from patients who underwent primary ACLR with internal bracing to determine if internal bracing resulted in a low graft failure rate while maintaining acceptable PROs. A total of 252 patients with a mean age of 23.6 years (95% confidence interval [CI]: 22.1-25.1) and a mean follow-up of 37.9 months (95% CI: 35.8-40.0) were included in this study. Patients who underwent primary ACLR with internal brace augmentation between July 12, 2016 and July 31, 2021 were eligible. A total of 222 patients were contacted via telephone and administered the visual analog scale (VAS), the single assessment numeric evaluation (SANE), the Lysholm knee score scale, and, if applicable, the short version ACL return to sport after injury (SV-ACL-RSI) survey. Additionally, patients were asked to give an updated orthopaedic history. Thirty additional patients were included from either our institution's registry or by completing their surveys in-office or by e-mail. The minimal clinically important difference (MCID) and patient-acceptable symptom states (PASS) were calculated based on our patient population and applied to each individual patient. The patients' electronic health record (EHR) was searched for pre- and postoperative clinical data including KT-1000 arthrometer measurements. Two patients (0.8%) had subsequent graft failures and one patient (0.4%) required a revision surgery. MCID was achieved in 242 patients (96.0%) for the Lysholm, 227 patients (90.1%) for the SANE, and 146 patients (57.9%) for the VAS. PASS was achieved in 214 patients (84.9%) for the Lysholm, 198 patients (78.6%) for the SANE, and 199 (80.0%) patients for the VAS, postoperatively. Of note, 65 patients (25.8%) exceeded the PASS threshold for the VAS preoperatively. A total of 127 patients (84.4%) met the cutoff of ≥60/100 for the SV-ACL-RSI survey postoperatively. Postoperative KT-1000 measurements showed near-identical side-to-side differences at both the 13.6-kg pull and manual maximum pull. When stratifying patients based on age at the time of surgery, it was noted that patients younger than 25 years had significantly higher SANE scores (91.6 [95% CI: 90.2-92.9] vs. 82.6 [95% CI: 79.0-86.2]; p < 0.0001) and lower VAS pain scores (0.7 [95% CI: 0.5-0.8] vs. 1.2 [95% CI: 0.8-1.5]; p = 0.004). Primary ACLR with internal bracing led to acceptable patient outcomes and a graft failure rate of less than 1%. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE:: case series, IV.

Low Preoperative Brief Resilience Scale Scores Are Associated With Inferior Preoperative and Short-Term Postoperative Patient Outcomes Following Primary Autograft Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction.

Purpose: To assess preoperative Brief Resilience Scale (BRS) scores as they relate to postoperative patient outcomes following primary autograft anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR). Methods: All patients who underwent primary autograft ACLR from 2016 to 2021 and had a patient-reported follow-up of 1 year and a clinical follow-up of 6 months were included in final data analysis. Patients completed validated PROMs pre- and postoperatively. All patients were objectively assessed with range of motion (ROM) and KT-1000 arthrometer testing. Return to sport (RTS) data were obtained for all applicable patients. Patients were divided into 3 groups based on ± ½ the standard deviation for the mean preoperative BRS score. Results: In total, 170 patients who underwent primary autograft ACLR with a mean age of 20.1 years (range, 13-57 years) and a mean final follow-up time of 2.9 years (range, 1.0-5.8 years) were included in the final analysis. The mean preoperative BRS scores for the high-resilience (HR, n = 67), average-resilience (AR, n = 42), and low-resilience (LR, n = 61) groups were 28.1 (95% CI, 27.8-28.9), 24.5 (95% CI, 24.3-24.6), and 21.1 (95% CI, 20.5-21.7), respectively (P < .001). The HR group demonstrated significantly higher preoperative and postoperative patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) compared to the AR and LR groups, with more differences seen with the LR group. The HR group demonstrated better knee extension in postoperative month 3 compared to the LR group (0.6° [95% CI, -1.2° to 0.1°] vs -2.3° [95% CI, -3.3° to -1.3°], P = .006). The HR group demonstrated a faster RTS time compared to the LR group (6.4 months [95% CI, 6.1-6.7] vs 7.6 months [95% CI, 7.1-8.1], P = .002). No differences were seen in RTS rate, knee flexion, or KT-1000 arthrometer measurements between the 3 groups. Conclusions: Low preoperative BRS scores were associated with inferior PROMs preoperatively and in the short-term postoperative period compared to those with higher preoperative BRS scores. Additionally, patients with lower preoperative BRS scores demonstrated a higher degree of knee extension loss 3 months postoperatively as well as a slower RTS. Level of Evidence: Level III, retrospective cohort study.