Abstract
Abstract
Background
The gold standard treatment for Anterior Cruciate Ligament injury is reconstruction (ACL-R). Graft failure is the concern and ensuring a durable initial graft with rapid integration is crucial. Graft augmentation with implantable devices (internal brace reinforcement) is a technique purported to reduce the risk of rupture and hasten recovery. We aim to compare the short-term outcome of ACL-R using augmented hamstring tendon autografts (internally braced with neoligament) and non-augmented hamstring autografts.
Methods
This was a retrospective cohort study comparing augmented and non-augmented ACL-R. All procedures were performed in a single centre using the same technique. The Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score [KOOS] was used to assess patient-reported outcomes.
Results
There were 70 patients in the augmented and 111 patients in the control group. Mean graft diameter in the augmented group was 8.82mm versus 8.44mm in the non-augmented. Six strand graft was achievable in 73.5% of the augmented group compared to 33% in the non-augmented group. Two graft failures were reported in the non-augmented group and none in the augmented group. Patient satisfaction rates were higher in the augmented group. There was a statistically insignificant improvement in the postoperative KOOS in the augmented group compared to the non-augmented group (p 0.6). Irrespective of augmentation status, no correlation was found between the functional score and age, or femoral tunnel width.
Conclusion
Augmented ACL-R may achieve superior graft diameters, lower failure rates and better patient reported outcomes when compared to nonaugmented ACL-R. Prospective trials are needed to examine this further.
