Long term results after ACL-reconstruction in childhood and adolescence

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: Ruptures of the anterior cruciate ligament in childhood and adolescence are severe injuries with increasing incidence over the last years. It is known today that the course of an unstable knee joint during growth can lead to poor subjective and objective results. The aim of the study is to record long-term results after transepiphyseal ACL reconstruction using autologous hamstring tendons and extracortical fixation in children and adolescents at least 15 years after surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated patient who underwent ACL reconstruction in our clinic with arthroscopic transepiphyseal technique using hamstrings graft in childhood or adolescence with a follow-up of at least 15 years. In these patients, the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS), Tegner Activity Score (TAS), and Lysholm Score were collected, and clinical and MRI examinations were performed. RESULTS: A total of 32 patients were identified, 5 of whom refused to participate. The average age at the time of surgery was 12 years, the average follow-up time was 17 years. In 3 patients a traumatic re-rupture was observed. None of the included patients showed a growth disorder at follow-up. The following subscores were found for the KOOS: KOOSpain 89, KOOSSymptom 82, KOOSADL 92, KOOSSport 75, KOOSQOL 82. The Tegner Activity score was 5.8, the Lysholm score 86 points. 13 of the 27 patients could also be examined clinically and by magnetic resonance imaging. In the MRI images, 95% of the patients showed intact grafts without evidence of cartilage or meniscus damage. The average lateral difference in the KT-1000 measurement was 1.5 mm. CONCLUSION: Transepiphyseal ACL reconstruction in children and adolescent with hamstrings is a save procedure leading to good long-term results. Secondary arthrosis signs can only be detected sporadically in MRI