Revisionsersatz des vorderen Kreuzbandes

With increasing numbers of primary anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction, the incidence of unsatisfactory results and graft failures will increase. The goals of revision reconstruction are similar to those of primary reconstruction and include stabilization of the knee, prevention of secondary degenerative changes, and recovery of knee function. Besides the recurrent tear there are specific technical failures, such as tunnel malplacement and unrecognized associated ligamentous pathologies, which might lead to graft failure. Thus, preoperative planning includes a detailed analysis of failure mechanisms by thorough preoperative history taking, comprehensive physical examination, and appropriate radiographic evaluation. The treatment algorithm addresses issues of hardware removal, need for a staged procedure or concomitant surgery, graft source, tunnel placement, and graft fixation. Correct placement of tunnels and graft fixation are the essential surgical steps, which might also influence graft selection. Successful revision ACL surgery requires a motivated and compliant patient and an experienced surgeon who is proficient in a variety of different surgical techniques. However, since clinical outcome is reported to be inferior in revision compared to primary ACL reconstruction the importance of counseling the patient preoperatively regarding less satisfactory results than in most primary ACL reconstructions must be emphasized. This article describes indications, analysis and surgical procedures for revision anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction.