Anterior cruciate ligament repair using dynamic intraligamentary stabilization grants 88.5% survival at minimum follow-up of 5 years

Abstract

Purpose: The aim of this study was to report on the revision rates and clinical outcomes following dynamic intraligamentary stabilization (DIS) at a minimum follow-up of 5 years and to investigate which preoperative or intraoperative characteristics could influence revision rates or clinical scores. Methods: The authors retrospectively assessed all 609 knees that underwent ACL repair using DIS at a single centre. At a minimum follow-up of 5 years, patients were assessed using the Lysholm, International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) and Tegner scores, as well as passive flexion and extension. Results: At a follow-up of 5.1 ± 0.3 years (range, 5–10), of the 609 patients, 428 patients were available for clinical assessment. Anterior tibial translation decreased from 9.7 ± 2.1 to 7.8 ± 1.9 mm, and side-to-side difference decreased from 4.3 ± 2.3 to 1.5 ± 1.8 mm. The postoperative Lysholm score was 96.9 ± 5.6, subjective IKDC was 95.6 ± 6.1 and Tegner scores ranged from 4 to 11, of which 51% of patients had a score of 7 or more. The estimated survival rate was 86% for the first half of the cohort and increased to 91% for the second half of the cohort. Conclusion: At a minimum follow-up of 5 years following ACL repair using DIS, it was found that it grants satisfactory clinical outcomes and that surgeons should inform patients who have predispositions about the higher risk of revision. Level of Evidence: Level IV retrospective study.