Outcomes of Surgical Treatment for Multiligament Knee Injuries in a Cohort Including Competitive Athletes With Long-Term Follow-Up

Abstract

Background: There is a paucity of outcomes data on surgical reconstruction for multiligament knee injury (MLKI) in the orthopaedic literature. Purpose: To examine functional and return-to-sports (RTS) outcomes and revision rates after single-stage reconstruction for MLKIs in a cohort containing a large proportion of competitive athletes over a 20-year period. Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: We identified all patients at our institution who underwent surgical reconstruction for an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) or bicruciate (ACL-posterior cruciate ligament) MLKI between 2001 and 2020 and had ≥2 years of postoperative outcome data. Patient-reported outcomes were evaluated using the International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) form, a surgical satisfaction survey, and questions about subsequent knee surgery and RTS administered via telephone. Summary statistics for all outcomes data were calculated, and predictors of IKDC scores at follow-up were examined using univariable linear regression. Results: Out of 151 patients eligible for this study, outcomes data were collected in 119 patients (79%). The mean follow-up time was 8.3 ± 4.4 years, and the mean IKDC score at follow-up was 79 ± 17. A total of 83 competitive athletes were included; 62 of these athletes attempted to return to preinjury sport. Among the 62 who attempted RTS, 50 (81%) were successful, and 12 were unable to return due to limitations from their surgery. At follow-up, 112 of the overall cohort of 119 patients (94%) were either satisfied or very satisfied with their surgical outcome, and 91% stated the surgery met or exceeded their expectations. In addition, 24% had subsequent ipsilateral knee operations after their index multiligament knee reconstruction. Older age at surgery and female sex were associated with worse IKDC scores at follow-up. Conclusion: Despite the severity of the injuries in our cohort, we found high levels of patient-reported function and a high rate of successful RTS in the competitive athletes. Older age and female sex were associated with worse patient-reported knee function at follow-up.