Abstract
The effect of iliotibial band "lateral sling" augmentation on long-term outcome in ACL reconstruction using free autogenous central-third patellar tendon was evaluated retrospectively. Eighty reconstructions were reviewed; the minimum followup was 2 years and the average was 4 years. Sixty percent of the procedures involved supplementation with a lateral sling. By both clinical evaluation and KT-1000 measurement, there were no differences in the results of patients with lateral sling augmentation and those without it. In addition, 40% of patients had chronic pain and/or swelling related to the lateral sling. We do not currently recommend the routine use of a lateral sling augmentation for ACL reconstruc tion using central-third patellar tendon.
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