Comparison of clinical outcomes of using the nonirradiated and irradiated allograft for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction: A systematic review update and meta-analysis

Background: This study was a systematic review comparing the clinical outcomes of using the nonirradiated and irradiated allograft for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. Methods: A comprehensive literature search was conducted using multiple databases, including Medline, Embase, and Cochrane. All databases were searched from the earliest records through August 2019 using the following Boolean operators: irradiated AND nonirradiated AND ACL AND allograft. All prospective and retrospective controlled trials were retrieved that directly compared physical examination and knee function scores and patient-rated outcomes between the nonirradiated and irradiated allograft for ACL reconstruction. Results: Three prospective and 2 retrospective articles were identified by the search, and the findings suggested that the nonirradiated allografts were superior to the irradiated allografts based on improved knee joint functional scores and decreased failure rate, even though there was no significantly difference with respect to overall IKDC, range of motion, vertical jump test, and one-leg hop test. Conclusions: Irradiated allograft should be limited to be used in ACL surgery and further research into new alternative sterilization techniques are needed to avoiding the disease transmission without interference with the biomechanical properties of the grafts.