Suture tape augmentation improves posterior stability after isolated posterior cruciate ligament reconstruction using hamstring tendon autograft with single-bundle transtibial technique

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to assess whether posterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (PCLR) suture tape augmentation can yield more stability after isolated PCLR.

Methods

A prospective database was retrospectively reviewed to identified patients that underwent primary isolated PCLR (control study) or isolated PCLR with suture tape augmentation (study group) from January 2016 to September 2020. the subjective International Knee Documentation Committee Subjective (IKDC) Knee, Lysholm and Tegner scores, posterior draw tests, as well as posterior stress radiographs and return to sports activity rates. The minimal clinically important difference (MCID) was used to evaluate the clinically relevance (subjective IKDC, Lysholm and Tegner scores).

Results

59 were included in this analysis (28 patients in control group, 31 patients in study group). The average length of follow-up was similar between the study and control groups (48.6 vs 47.9months; p=0.800). Knee function, in terms of subjective IKDC (study vs. control: 85.1±6.4 vs. 79.8±6.4; P=0.002), Lysholm (study vs. control: 86.3±7.4 vs. 80.8±7.4; P=0.005) and Tegner (study vs. control: 7.0±1.4 vs. 5.6±1. 7; P=0.006) scores, was significantly improved in the study group. However, the differences between control group and study group were less than the MCID in the subjective IKDC score and Lysholm score. 21.4% (6/28) and 48.4% of patients (15/31) in the control and study groups, respectively, returned to the preinjury sports activity levels (P=0.031). At last follow-up, the mean side-to-side differences in posterior laxity was significantly improved in the study group compared with the control patients (study vs. control: 1.52±0.70 mm vs. 3.17±2.01 mm; p<0.01).

Conclusions

Primary isolated PCLR with suture tape augmentation provides better posterior stability than PCLR without suture tape augmentation at a minimum 2 years follow-up. No differences observed between the groups in the percentage of patients who met or exceeded the MCID in subjective IKDC and Lysholm score.