Lateral-extra articular tenodesis vs. anterolateral ligament reconstruction in skeletally immature patients undergoing anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction.

Overview

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The aim of this study was to review the most recent available evidence about lateral-extra articular tenodesis (LET) and anterolateral ligament (ALL) reconstruction in young patients treated for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury. RECENT FINDINGS: The ALL of the knee acts as a secondary stabilizer of the knee preventing anterior translation and internal rotation. In vitro and in vivo biomechanical studies as well as prospective clinical trials have shown the importance of the ALL in knee biomechanics. The ALL injury has a synergetic impact on the knee stability in patients with acute ACL injury. ALL augmentation of ACL provides reduction of knee instability and graft failure and higher return to sport rates in high-risk patients. It has not been demonstrated that extra-articular procedures increase the risk of knee osteoarthritis secondary to knee over-constriction. Both Iliotibial band (ITB) ALL reconstruction and modified Lemaire LET have been shown safe and effective. Minimal biomechanical or clinical differences have been found between the two reconstruction methods. SUMMARY: Young patients with ACL tears and risk factors such as laxity or pivot shift willing to return to sports may benefit from ALL augmentation. Therefore, it is essential to identify these high-risk patients to individualize treatment.