Retrospective Evaluation of the Results of Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction Associated with Anterolateral Augmentation

Abstract

To retrospectively evaluate the clinical and functional outcomes of this surgical association, using the lateral extra-articular tenodesis (LET) technique. The study analyzed the medical records of 25 patients who underwent ACL reconstruction with ALL reinforcement, in which the iliotibial band graft was passed superficially to the lateral collateral ligament and fixed to the femur with an anchor, between 2019 and 2023. The mean follow-up was 3.3 years. The sample consisted of 73.9% men, with a mean age of 34.3 years. Functional scores demonstrated significant improvement, with the IKDC increasing from 54.8 to 88.2 points on average, and a mean postoperative Lysholm score of 89.5. Male sex and longer postoperative time were associated with better outcomes (p < 0.05). No cases of re-injury were observed. Primary ACL reconstruction combined with the described variation of the technique is effective and safe, providing functional improvement and superior joint stability, and represents an advantageous surgical option for individuals at high risk of re-injury.