Revision of anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction with allografts in patients younger than 40 years old: a 2 to 4 year results

Abstract

Abstract Purpose The purpose of this study is first to report the outcomes, at 4 years follow‐up, in revision ACL surgery using allografts in patients younger than 40 years old, and then compared soft tissue allografts to bone tendon allografts. Methods This retrospective study included 47 patients who underwent ACL revision surgery with fresh‐frozen allografts. Patellar tendon allograft or tibialis anterior allograft was used. Twenty‐seven patients undergoing ACL revision with patellar tendon allograft were compared retrospectively with twenty‐two patients undergoing the same procedure with soft tissue tibialis anterior allograft. Lysholm, IKDC, and KT‐1000 values were obtained preoperatively and postoperatively. Results The average patient follow‐up was 4.6 years (±2.5). The mean age at time of the revision was 34 years old (±6.3). Overall, patients reported the overall condition of their knee as excellent or good in 85 % of the patients (10 excellent, 33 good). Based on their experience, 85 % would have the surgery again if they had the same problem in the other knee. Both subgroups experienced significant improvement in Lysholm, IKDC, and KT‐1000 values, with no difference found between groups at final follow‐up. Conclusion Revision ACL with allografts has excellent and good results in 85 % of patients younger than 40 years old. No statistical difference was seen between soft tissue (tibialis anterior) and patellar tendon allograft. Level of evidence IV.