Combined lateral extra-articular tenodesis and anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: risk of osteoarthritis

Purpose Lateral extra-articular tenodesis (LET) procedure, combined with an intra-articular reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), is used to reduce rotational laxity and the risk of graft failure. However, concern of overtightening of the lateral compartment and subsequent osteoarthritis remains. The aim of this study is to evaluate the degenerative changes in the lateral compartment and to compare the clinical and radiographical results between two LET techniques. Methods Eighty-three patients (86 knees) were retrospectively reviewed at a mean of 67.7 months (range 49-85 months). Forty-two knees had an ACL reconstruction combined with a LET procedure according to the modified Lemaire technique and 44 knees according to the modified Coker-Arnold technique. IKDC, Lysholm, Tegner and VAS scores were used. Osteoarthritis was radiographically evaluated by the Kellgren-Lawrence classification. Results There were 12 patients (28.6%) in the modified Lemaire subgroup and 13 patients (29.5%) in the modified Coker-Arnold subgroup that had doubtful or mild radiologic signs of osteoarthritis. No patients had moderate or severe signs at final follow-up. There was no significant difference in radiological signs of osteoarthritis. In the modified Lemaire subgroup, we report a mean IKDC of 86.31 (+/- 13.794), a mean Lysholm of 87.83 (+/- 12.802) and a mean Tegner of 5.38 (+/- 2.556). In the modified Coker-Arnold subgroup, a mean IKDC of 87.27 (+/- 11.653), a mean Lysholm of 91.89 (+/- 8.035) and a mean Tegner of 5.16 (+/- 2.420) were reported. There were no statistical significant differences between both techniques. In eight patients, a complication was identified, 3 of which had a failure of the ACL reconstruction. Conclusions The chosen LET-technique seems to have minimal effect on both the clinical and the radiographic results. The LET is a safe procedure, and it does not increase the risk of osteoarthritis in the lateral compartment.