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

Background: 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.