J Knee Surg 2019; 32(07): 673-685
DOI: 10.1055/s-0038-1666833
Original Article
Thieme Medical Publishers 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

Primary Allograft ACL Reconstruction in Skeletally Immature Patients—A Systematic Review of Surgical Techniques, Outcomes, and Complications

Ajaykumar Shanmugaraj
1   Faculty of Health Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
,
Darren de SA
2   Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
,
Matthew M. Skelly
2   Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
,
Andrew Duong
2   Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
,
Nicole Simunovic
3   Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence, and Impact, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
,
Volker Musahl
4   Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
,
Devin C. Peterson
2   Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
,
Olufemi R. Ayeni
2   Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
› Author Affiliations
Funding None.
Further Information

Publication History

10 November 2017

26 May 2018

Publication Date:
10 July 2018 (online)

Abstract

The purpose of this systematic review is to ascertain the risk profile of allografts in primary anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) of skeletally immature patients. Three databases (PubMed, EMBASE, and MEDLINE) were searched for articles addressing primary ACLR in skeletally immature patients (i.e., open femoral and tibial physes). Inclusion criteria encompassed the use of allograft tissue with available postoperative outcomes data. The methodological index for non-randomized studies (MINORS) was used to assess all studies. Descriptive statistics such as means, 95% confidence intervals and standard deviations are presented where applicable. A total of 3,852 studies were screened, with 9 studies of a total of 406 skeletally immature patients (mean age 14.9 ± 1.2 years) satisfying inclusion criteria. The majority (98%) of included patients underwent complete transphyseal ACLR. Where specified, allograft options included Achilles tendon (AT) (66.5%), tibialis anterior tendon (7.6%), bone–patellar tendon (2.5%), and fascia lata (1.0%). The use of a bone block for the AT was reported in one patient (0.2%). Postoperatively, and where specified, patients achieved full range of motion (12.1%), had good Lysholm scores of 94 to 100 (8.1%), and a return to preinjury level athletic participation of 82.9% (8.4%). Complications (13.3%) included graft failures (7.9%), nonrevision reoperation (4.7%), and a combined leg length discrepancy and angular (valgus and extension) deformity (0.2%). There were no reported incidences of disease transmission. Although failure rates of primary allograft ACL reconstruction are acceptable compared with other studies of mainly autograft use in this young, high-risk population, there was a very low rate of clinically significant physeal damage. However, the relatively low quality of the included studies limits the ability to recommend routine use of allograft for ACLR in the skeletally immature patient. More robust studies with long-term follow-up data are necessary to better ascertain the influence of allograft choice on postoperative outcomes for these young patients. This is a Level IV study, systematic review of Levels III and IV studies.

 
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      • Appendix C References of included studies

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