Multi-ligament knee injuries (MLKIs) pose significant challenges to both patients and surgeons due to the complexity of the damage involved. However, recent findings suggest that multi-ligament knee reconstruction (MLKR) with suture tape augmentation may offer promising outcomes for individuals grappling with this issue.
A study, published recently in the Journal of Orthopedics, explored the efficacy and safety of this surgical approach by conducting a retrospective analysis of 27 patients who underwent MLKR with suture tape augmentation. The cohort, with a mean age of 38.52 years, underwent reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), posterior cruciate ligament (PCL), medial collateral ligament (MCL), and lateral collateral ligament (LCL) using the Internal Brace system from Arthrex Inc.
Two years postoperatively, researchers assessed the patients’ outcomes using various measures, including Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) scores, multifilament quality of life (QoL) scores, and Lysholm knee scores.
The results indicated encouraging findings, with mean PROMIS scores falling within normal limits. Specifically, the mean PROMIS pain score stood at 49.93, the mean PROMIS physical function score at 49.56, and the mean PROMIS mobility score at 47.56. These scores suggest that patients experienced manageable levels of pain and retained satisfactory physical function and mobility following the surgery.
Moreover, the study revealed insights into the patients’ multifilament QoL scores. The mean multifilament QoL physical impairment score was 33.96, indicating a moderate level of physical impairment post-surgery. Emotional impairment, as reflected by the mean multifilament QoL emotional impairment score of 36.55, was also within an acceptable range. Additionally, the mean multifilament QoL activity limitation score was 28, while the mean multifilament QoL societal involvement score was 30.09, underscoring the multifaceted impact of MLKIs on individuals’ lives. Further assessment using the Lysholm knee score revealed a mean score of 67.93. While this score falls below the maximum achievable score of 100, it nonetheless signifies a reasonable degree of knee function and stability attained post-reconstruction.
Based on the comprehensive evaluation, the researchers concluded that MLKR with suture tape augmentation proves to be a safe and efficacious surgical technique for addressing MLKIs. The observed outcomes, encompassing acceptable clinical and patient-reported measures, validate the effectiveness of this approach in mitigating the debilitating effects of multi-ligament knee injuries.
This study contributes valuable insights to the field of orthopedic surgery, offering clinicians and patients alike a viable treatment option for managing the complexities associated with MLKIs. By emphasizing the importance of utilizing innovative techniques such as suture tape augmentation in conjunction with traditional reconstruction methods, this research paves the way for improved outcomes and enhanced quality of life for individuals grappling with these challenging injuries.
Reference
Orthopedics [Internet]. [cited 2024 May 11]. Multiligament Knee Reconstruction With Suture Tape Augmentation: Patient-Reported Outcomes at Minimum 2-Year Follow-up. Available from: https://journals.healio.com/doi/10.3928/01477447-20240424-02