Complications and revision surgeries in two extra-articular tenodesis techniques associated to anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. A case-control study

Introduction: Numerous techniques of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction associated to extraarticular tenodesis (EAT) have been described, but there have been few comparative studies, especially in terms of complications and revision procedures. The present study sought to compare two ACL reconstruction techniques using the patellar tendon (KJ): associating EAT by fascia lata (KJL2) or by gracilis (KJG). The study hypothesis was that the KJL2 technique incurs no extra risk of complications or surgical revision compared to the KJG technique. Method: A prospective case-control study compared 41 patients undergoing KJL2 and 41 controls undergoing KJG. Complications, reconstruction failure and revision procedures were assessed at a mean 13 months follow-up (range, 6-20 months). Results: The KJL2 group showed no extra risk of postoperative complications or reconstruction failure compared to the KJG group: 1 versus 2 re-tears, respectively, not requiring revision. Revision surgery was significantly more frequent in the KJG group (31.7% vs. 7.3%), notably for arthrolysis and meniscectomy. Discussion: The KJL2 technique is reliable, without greater risk of complications or early revision surgery than the KJG technique. (c) 2018 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.