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Kiegerl, A.
Long term results after LARS reconstruction for ACL tears: A prospectively planned 12-years follow-up study
Humanmedizin; [ Diplomarbeit ] Graz Medical University; 2018. pp. 96 [OPEN ACCESS]
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Authors Med Uni Graz:
Advisor:: Bernhardt Gerwin; Gruber Gerald
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Abstract:: Introduction: The reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is a frequent operation. A lot of research has been conducted in order to detect the ideal graft for the ACL reconstruction. This study evaluated long-term results after reconstruction of the ACL with an artificial ligament. Methods: We invited forty-one patients who underwent reconstruction of the ACL with LARS (Ligament Advanced Reinforcement System or Ligament Augmentation and Reconstruction System) ligament between August 2001 and March 2005 to a follow-up evaluation at the Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology of the Medical University of Graz. The outcome was assessed by physical examination, X-rays of both knees, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and four questionnaires (SF-36, IKDC Subjective Knee Evaluation Form, Lysholm Score and Tegner Score). Results: Twenty-seven patients were available for a long-term follow-up evaluation. The mean follow-up period was 12.4 years. The mean Lysholm Score was 91.1 ± 9.3 and the mean IKDC Score was 85.6 ± 11.5. The result of the Tegner Score was 4. The mean MCS Score of the SF-36 was 48.6 ± 13.1 and the mean PCS Score was 50.7 ± 9.6. Definite osteoarthritic changes of the operated knee were present in 50.0% of the patients. This rate was significantly higher compared to the contralateral knee. The overall complication rate was 48.8% including a revision rate of 14.6%. Discussion: Long-term results after reconstruction of the ACL with LARS ligament are less encouraging than the short-term results. The results of the Lysholm score and the subjective IKDC score as well as the quality of life, assessed by the SF-36, show good average results. However, we found a far too high overall complication rate in the long term. We cannot recommend LARS ligament for primary ACL reconstruction.