The study aims were to demonstrate rates, level, and time taken to RTP in elite sports after ACL reconstruction (ACL-R) and compare football and rugby. A retrospective review of a consecutive series of ACL-R between 2005 and 2019 was undertaken. Patients were included if they were elite athletes and were a minimum of 2 years post primary autograft ACL-R. The outcomes measured were return to play (RTP), (defined as participation in a professional match or in national/ international level amateur competition), time to RTP after surgery, and RTP level (Tegner score).Abstract
Introduction
Methods
Persistent medial laxity increases the risk of failure for ACL reconstruction. To address this, multiple reconstruction techniques have been created. To date, no single strand reconstruction constructs have been able to restore both valgus and rotational stability. In response to this, a novel single strand Short Isometric Construct (SIC) MCL reconstruction was developed. Eight fresh-frozen cadaveric specimens were tested in three states: 1) intact 2) after sMCL and dMCL transection, and 3) after SIC MCL reconstruction. In each state, four loading conditions were applied at varying flexion angles: 90N anterior drawer, 5Nm tibial external rotation torque, 8Nm valgus torque, and combined 90N anterior drawer plus 5Nm tibial external rotation torque.Abstract
Introduction
Methods
Historic MCL reconstruction techniques focused on the superficial MCL to restore valgus stability while overlooking tibial external rotation and the deep MCL. This study assessed the ability of a contemporary medial collateral ligament (MCL) reconstruction and a deep MCL (dMCL) reconstruction to restore rotational and valgus knee stability. Six pairs fresh-frozen cadaveric knee specimens with intact soft tissue were tested in four states: 1) intact 2) after sMCL and dMCL sectioning, 3) contemporary MCL reconstruction (LaPrade et al), and 4) dMCL reconstruction. In each state, four loading conditions were applied at varying flexion angles: 8Nm valgus torque, 5Nm tibial external rotation torque, 90N anterior drawer, and combined 90N anterior drawer plus 5Nm tibial external rotation torque.Abstract
Introduction
Methods
The popularity of all-inside meniscal repair devices has led to a shift away from inside-out meniscus repair without comparative studies to support the change. The aim of this study was to compare the failure rate and time to failure of all-inside and inside-out meniscus repair performed in elite athletes. A retrospective review was performed of all elite athletes who underwent meniscal repair, with a minimum of two-year follow-up between 2013 and 2019. Repairs were classified as all-inside or inside-out according to the repair technique. Failure was defined as undergoing a subsequent surgery to address a persistent meniscal tear.Abstract
Introduction
Methodology
Anterolateral procedures can reduce the risk of re-rupture after ACL reconstruction in high risk patients however, this effectiveness has never been evaluated in elite athletes. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of lateral extra-articular tenodesis in reducing revision rates in ACL reconstructions in elite athletes. A consecutive cohort of elite athletes between 2005 and 2018 undergoing ACLR reconstruction with or without modified Lemaire lateral extra-articular tenodesis were analysed. A minimum of 2 years of follow-up was required. The association between the use of LET and ACL graft failure was evaluated with univariate and multivariate logistic regression models.Abstract
Introduction
Methodology
Elite athletes sustaining a graft re-rupture after ACL reconstruction (ACL-R) undergo revision reconstruction to enable their return to elite sport. The aim of this study was to determine the rate of return to play (RTP) and competition levels at 2 and 5 years post revision ACL-R. A consecutive series of revision ACL-R in elite athletes undertaken by the senior author between 2009 and 2019 was retrospectively reviewed. Outcome measures were RTP rates and competition level.Abstract
Introduction
Methodology