Acute Single-Stage Reconstruction of Multiligament Knee Injuries Using the Ligament Advanced Reinforcement System

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of the study was to report our early outcome in the management of multiligament knee injuries with the ligament advanced reinforcement system (LARS). SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Between 2007 and 2010, 9 of 11 patients operated on for multiligament knee injuries were included in this study; 2 patients were excluded due to complicated neurovascular injuries, open knee dislocations and severe comorbidities. All patients were managed acutely (<3 weeks) by reconstructions of the cruciate and collateral ligaments with LARS ligament and were followed up for an average of 30 months (18–46 months). RESULTS: The mean Lysholm score of the 9 patients at final follow-up was around 90 (range 88–94) with an average Tegner activity score of 5.5. The postoperative function of 1 case of KD-11 and 2 cases of KD-111 was rated as ‘A,’ while the remaining cases were rated ‘B’. At final follow-up, minor osteoarthritic degeneration was detected in 1 case of KD-III and 2 cases of KD-IV. Superficial infection developed in 1 case, and no cases of knee synovitis and premature osteoarthritis were recorded. CONCLUSION: A creditable outcome at mean of 30 months’ follow-up was obtained in acute single-stage reconstruction of uncomplicated multiligament knee injuries with LARS ligament.