Is the Independent Tape Reinforcement a valid technique to reduce the rerupture rate of ACL reconstructions? A technical instruction and case series with 2-year follow up

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: Although there is an ongoing development in ACL reconstruction techniques, a rerupture rate up to 20% still is discussed in the literature. Is the ACL reconstruction using a quadriple semitendinosus in combination with a polyurethane tape reinforcement a valid technique to reduce the retare rate? A clinical trial with 35 Patients compared to 320 patients using an isolated semitendinosus reconstruction without internal bracing. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Additionally, to the quadruple semitendinosus technique with cortical button fixation, the transplant is parallelly stabilized by a polyurethane tape which is individually fixed in the femoral button. The tape secures the transplant during the remodeling episode since repeated small tensions on the transplant during this time are discussed as a reason for a rerupture. In this prospective case series 35 patients were treated with this technique, reexamined and VAS, Tegner, KOOS Jr. and SANE are preoperatively, two and six weeks, three and six month and after one, two and five years recorded using a PROMS system. Clinical instability and proprioceptive function were also surveyed at these timepoints. The results and rerupture rates were compared with 320 patients of our database who underwent a comparable reconstruction without using the internal brace. Patients with fractures and multi-ligament injuries were excluded. RESULTS: Until now no reruptures were reported, there are no significant subjective or objective differences compared to the group without internal bracing. The two years results are pending. Preoperatively the VAS score was 2.2 +/- 2.0. Two weeks after the surgery 2.1 +/- 1.8 and one year postoperatively 0.5 +/- 0.7. Tegner score preoperatively: 4.6 +/- 2.7 after one year 4.7 +/- 3.0. KOOS jun. improves in both groups around 15%. CONCLUSION: Until now the ACL reconstruction using an internal brace seems to be a safe and effective technique. Biomechanical studies show beneficial stabilizing results and a minor rerupture rate might be possible due to reduced microlesions during the remodeling period. The study is still ongoing, longtime results are pending.