REVIEW   

Minerva Ortopedica e Traumatologica 2017 June;68(2):99-109

DOI: 10.23736/S0394-3410.17.03814-0

Copyright © 2017 EDIZIONI MINERVA MEDICA

language: English

Surgical reasons for failure of anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: an update

Mathew J. HAMULA, Jennifer BADASH, Neha JEJURIKAR, Michael K. RYAN, Eric J. STRAUSS ✉

Division of Sports Medicine, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, NYU Hospital for Joint Diseases, New York, NY, USA

Anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) is a reliable method to restore knee stability and function in professional and recreational athletes. Reasons for failure of ACLR include re-rupture, suboptimal surgical technique, issues with graft incorporation, timing and efficacy of rehabilitation programs, time of return to sport, and unrecognized concomitant pathology such as malalignment, meniscal or ligamentous injuries. Surgical technique continues to play a pivotal role in the success or failure of ACLR. The purpose of the current review is to provide an update on modifiable surgical risk factors for failure of ACLR and potential pitfalls to avoid in order to optimize postoperative outcomes and patient satisfaction.

KEY WORDS: Anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction - Treatment failure - Reconstructive surgical procedures