Abstract
Introduction
Multiple ACL revisions represent an extremely demanding surgery, due to the presence of enlarged or malpositioned tunnels, hardware, injuries to the secondary stabilizers and difficulties in retrieving autologous tendons. An anatomical ACL reconstruction is not always possible. We analyzed the results in a series of patients operated with over the top reconstruction (OTTR) and lateral extra-articular plasty to the Gerdy's tubercle (LP) using Achilles (AT) or tibialis posterior tendon (TPT) allografts.
Methods
From 2002 to 2008, twenty-four male athletes with a mean age of 30.8 years were operated. 20 of the patients had two, while four patients had three previous reconstructions. IKDC score and KT evaluation were used at a mean 3.3 years follow-up (2–7 years).
Results
The mean IKDC subjective score at follow-up was 81.3. The IKDC objective score rated A or B in 84% of the patients. Of the 20 good results, 17 patients resumed sport activity at the pre-injury level. KT side-to-side difference averaged 3.5 mm in the TPT, versus 3.2 mm in the AT group. No significant differences were noted between the AT and TPT group.
Conclusions
Multiple ACL revision surgery is a salvage procedure, with average good results, but not equivalent to primary ACL reconstruction. Patients should be advised that a return to sports may not be feasible. OTTR+LP is an established technique that permits to overcome difficult anatomical situations, with cortical fixation providing good immediate stability and avoiding tunnel fixation and bone grafting. Long tendon grafts as AT and TPT are needed.
