Midterm Results of Anterior Cruciate Ligament Repair with Suture Tape Augmentation

Description

The video transcript features a presentation by Graeme Hopper, an orthopedic surgeon, discussing the findings from his study on the outcomes of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) repair using suture tape augmentation. In this study, conducted following his recent orthopedic training in Scotland, Hopper introduces the work's objective of analyzing patient-reported outcomes after a minimum of two years post-surgery.



Hopper explains that advancements in understanding ACL healing and surgical technology have reignited interest in ACL repair as a more viable procedure than in previous decades, with the possibility of improved outcomes compared to historical data from the 1970s and 80s. The suture tape augmentation method aims to bolster ligament strength and facilitate natural healing without necessitating graft harvesting, thereby preserving the proprioceptive fibers of the native ACL.



The study involved 137 patients with specific criteria for inclusion and focused on the assessment of pain and activity-related function through standardized questionnaires and metrics like KOOS, WOMAC, and VAS. With an average follow-up of five years, the results revealed significant improvements across various measuring scales, although there was a noted slight decrease in the Marx Activity Scale. The majority of patients expressed satisfaction with the procedure, and although rerupture occurred in a subset of patients, subsequent revisions were successful.



Hopper advocates for the use of ACL repair with suture tape augmentation as a safe alternative to reconstruction, particularly for certain high-risk groups, while reinforcing that no complications such as synovitis or erosions were observed in the cohort. He concludes that over 80% of patients experienced excellent outcomes, suggesting that this technique may reduce the need for traditional ACL surgery.

DOI: 10.1302/3114-210709

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