ACLR: Isolated Autograft vs Allograft With Lateral Extra-articular Tenodesis

While ACL injuries are among the most common sports medicine injuries treated arthroscopically, significant debate surrounds the choice of graft used in ACLR. While graft choice has been studied extensively, allografts have been shown to have a slightly increased risk of failure than autografts. However, these differences become less pronounced with non-irradiated allografts that have not undergone chemical processing or with slower rehabilitation timelines. Allografts also show poorer graft maturation on MRI. The use of allografts may avoid the donor site morbidities associated with autograft procedures such as pain, donor site weakness, and increased surgical duration. Previous studies have documented a high prevalence of extensor and flexor weakness following autograft ACLR, with deficits in flexor strength following hamstring autograft lasting up to 12 months and extensor strength deficits at 24 months following quadriceps tendon autograft ACLR. Limiting these morbidities may allow a more predictable return to activity and improve patient satisfaction following ACLR. Despite the benefits, concern remains regarding the use of allografts in higher demand patients. However, some studies of patients undergoing ACLR show similar results between allografts and autografts.

Despite advancements in ACLR techniques, retear rates and return-to-play rates remain unsatisfactory in specific populations. Recent investigations into the persistence of anterolateral rotatory laxity in patients have led to an increased focus on the role of the anterolateral complex for knee stability. Specifically, LET has grown in popularity in the setting of ACLR. Previous studies have demonstrated that the addition of LET may improve clinical outcomes when performed in conjunction with an ACLR, possibly by decreasing post-operative pivot shift, tibial translation, and retear rates.

No study to date has compared non-irradiated allografts augmented with LET to autografts for ACLR in a randomized controlled trial fashion. This proposed study aims to understand the utility of allografts in ACLR when combined with LET.