Comparison of patella tendon versus patella tendon/kennedy ligament augmentation device for anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: Study of results, morbidity, and complications

In a study designed to evaluate the efficacy of supplementing patellar tendon bone-tendon-bone intraarticular anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstructions with the polypropylene braid ligament augmentation device (Kennedy LAD; 3M, Minneapolis, MN), 75 consecutive patients treated between July 1988 and January 1990 with isolated ACL disruptions in whom no associated ligament injury was present were offered the LAD as part of their preoperative consent. Interference screws at both bone plugs were used. Group I was composed of 25 patients (10 acute, 15 chronic) with ACL disruptions who had the LAD added to their reconstruction. Group II was composed of 50 patients (24 acute, 26 chronic) who underwent an identical surgical procedure except that the LAD was not used. Objective and subjective assessments were made throughout the postoperative course, with the longest follow-up an average of 24 months postoperatively. Statistical analysis of these findings failed to show any statistically significant differences between the groups. Complications that occurred among the augmented group included infection, synovitis, effusion, and recurrence of instability, intraarticular adhesions, hemarthrosis, and painful hardware. This study demonstrates that the LAD added to the morbidity and severity in this series. It does not seem to improve results and is therefore not recommended for use in this manner.