Anterior tibial translation and patient-reported outcomes after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction with a tape locking screw: A 5-year follow-up study

Abstract

The Tape Locking Screw system (TLS) is a recognised technique used in anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR). However, only a few previous studies have reported associated outcomes, all of which had been examined over a short-term period. The aim of this study was to assess the time-dependent changes in the objective and patient-reported outcome measures (PROM) in a group of patients with anterior cruciate ligament deficiency who have been operated on with this technique. Hypothesis: Previously reported satisfactory short-term outcomes following TLS persist for several years after the operation. Patients and methods: This study was a retrospective observational study including 26 patients, who were followed after unilateral ACLR with TLS. Anterior tibial translation (ATT) was measured in both knees using the KT-1000 arthrometer and two PROMs: International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) and Lysholm subjective form scores were examined preoperatively, 6 months postoperatively, and annually for 5 years thereafter in all patients. Results: One patient suffered a rupture of the graft, and one patient had a screw loosening. Two patients were lost for follow-up, so 22 patients were the final study group. Median (25–75%) ATT side-to-side differences between the injured and uninjured sides were 4 (3,5–4) mm preoperatively, 0,75 (0–1) mm 1 year postoperatively, and 0,75 (0–1) mm 5 years after the operation (P < 0.001). Median (25–75%) IKDC scores were 44.25 (35.6–55.15), 92.55 (87.08–96.6), and 95.4 (90.8–97.7) points preoperatively and 1 year (P < 0.001) and 5 years postoperatively, respectively. Median (25–75%) Lysholm scores were 52 (38.75–64.5), 95.5 (94.75–99.25), and 97.5 (95–99) points preoperatively and 1 year (P < 0.001) and 5 years postoperatively, respectively. Discussion: ACLR with TLS might already achieve favourable outcomes 1 year postoperatively, when measured objectively (ATT) and with PROMs. These outcomes persist 5 year postoperatively. Level of Evidence IV: retrospective cohort study.