Summary
Many researchers claim that the anterolateral ligament acts as a principal stabilizer during internal rotation and flexion of the knee, supporting the functions of the anterior cruciate ligament. 95% success is reported in combined reconstruction in a revision knee surgery. In the first group, 22 patients with isolated ACL reconstruction were evaluated, mean age: 31 years. The IKDC score at the l
Abstract
Title
Functional outcome of a combined Anterior Cruciate Ligament and Anterolateral Ligament reconstruction.
Background
Many researchers claim that the anterolateral ligament acts as a principal stabilizer during internal rotation and flexion of the knee, supporting the functions of the anterior cruciate ligament. 95% success is reported in combined reconstruction in a revision knee surgery.
Purpose
To report objective and subjective outcomes after combined ACL and ALL reconstruction surgery, with an 18 month follow up.
Study design:
Case series, Level 4 of evidence.
Methods
22 patients underwent a combined ACL and ALL reconstruction, they were compared with 22 patients treated with an isolated ACL reconstruction. Patients were evaluated, pre- and postoperatively with International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) score, Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) and Lysholm score.
Results
In the first group, 22 patients with isolated ACL reconstruction were evaluated, mean age: 31 years. The IKDC score at the last follow-up (70.7) was slightly higher than before surgery (70.5). The Lysholm score at the last follow-up (78.2) was higher than before surgery (74.1). In the second group, 22 patients with combined ACL and ALL reconstruction were evaluated, mean age: 31 years. The IKDC score at the last follow-up (80) was higher than before surgery (63.9). The Lysholm score at the last follow-up (76.8) was higher than before surgery (70.9). The follow-up time was 14.3 ±3.7 months.
Conclusion
We obtained good results with both procedures, with no statistically significant difference between the techniques. There were no complications registered in the 44 patients. Longer term studies are necessary to determine whether these reconsructions improve the results of ACL treatment.
Keywords: ACL reconstruction; ALL reconstruction; rotational instability.