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Published in: European Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery & Traumatology 2/2024

06-10-2023 | Original Article

Does combined anterior cruciate ligament and anterolateral ligament reconstruction improve return to sport?

Authors: Arnaud Gonnachon, Ludovic Labattut, Nafiz Abdoul Carime, Cyril Orta, Emmanuel Baulot, Pierre Martz

Published in: European Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery & Traumatology | Issue 2/2024

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Abstract

Purpose

Only 50–65% of patients return to their previous sporting level after ACL rupture. The literature reports a reduced rate of graft rupture when an anterolateral ligament reconstruction (ALLR) is associated with ACL reconstruction.
ACL reconstruction combined with ALL allows a higher return to sport at pre-injury level than isolated reconstruction in patients playing pivot-contact sports.

Methods

A retrospective, single-centre study between 2012 and 2020 comparing reconstruction by hamstring tendon technique, isolated ACLR vs ACL with ALLR. An isokinetic test was performed at 6 months post-operatively and patients were re-contacted at a minimum 2-year follow-up to assess their level and delay to return to sport, graft rupture rate and functional evaluation.

Results

83 patients were included, 42 in ACLR group and 41 in ACL + ALLR group. Four patients were lost to follow-up and 79 patients were analysed. No significant difference was found on the level of return to sport (28.2% vs. 42.5%; p = 0.18), return to competition (43% vs. 60%; p = 0.18), delay to sports return, isokinetic assessment, functional scores, but a significant difference was found on graft rupture rate in favour of ALLR (12.8% vs. 0%; p = 0.02).

Conclusion

In our study, the addition of an ALL to ACL reconstruction did not improve pre-injury sports recovery or return to competition.

Study design

Cohort study, level of evidence 4.
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Metadata
Title
Does combined anterior cruciate ligament and anterolateral ligament reconstruction improve return to sport?
Authors
Arnaud Gonnachon
Ludovic Labattut
Nafiz Abdoul Carime
Cyril Orta
Emmanuel Baulot
Pierre Martz
Publication date
06-10-2023
Publisher
Springer Paris
Published in
European Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery & Traumatology / Issue 2/2024
Print ISSN: 1633-8065
Electronic ISSN: 1432-1068
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00590-023-03744-2

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