Combining an Anterolateral Complex Procedure With Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction Reduces Graft Reinjury Without Increasing the Rate of Complications: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

Abstract

Background:

Anterolateral ligament reconstruction (ALLR) or lateral extra-articular tenodesis (LET) has been used more frequently in conjunction with anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) in recent years. However, there are still concerns that these procedures may lead to complications such as overconstraint of the lateral compartment, stiffness, infections, tunnel convergence, and other intra- and postoperative complications because of increased surgical time and the need for additional procedures.

Hypothesis/Purpose:

The lateral extra-articular procedure will reduce the failure rate of reconstructed ACLs without increasing the number of complications. The purpose was to compare the complication and graft reinjury rates of 2 main anterolateral complex procedure categories described in the literature—LET and ALLR with isolated ACLR.

Study Design:

Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RTCs); Level of evidence, 2.

Methods:

The methodology followed the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines. The PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases were searched on March 15, 2024, to identify RTCs comparing isolated ACLR with ACLR + LET or ALLR. The methodological index for nonrandomized studies was employed for the quality evaluation. Complications and graft reinjury rates were recorded and meta-analyzed from all included studies.

Results:

The initial search yielded 1411 articles. Seventeen studies that included the complication rates (5 in the ALLR group and 12 in the LET group) were included in the review. No significant differences were found in the incidence of complications between the ACLR and ACLR + ALLR groups (Mantel-Haenszel [M-H], 1.20 [95% CI, 0.05-29.30]; P = .91) or between the ACLR and ACLR + LET groups (M-H, 0.39 [95% CI, 0.05-2.98]; P = .36). Significant differences were observed in the failure rate between the ACLR + ALLR group (M-H, 6.78 [95% CI, 1.98-23.22]; P = .002) and the ACLR + LET group (M-H, 3.14 [95% CI, 1.96- 5.04]; P < .00001).

Conclusion:

Adding a lateral extra-articular procedure, regardless of the surgical technique, can reduce the failure rate without increasing the number of complications at the mid-term follow-up.

Study Registration:

PROSPERO (CRD42023458354).