Revision surgery after failed ACL reconstruction with artificial ligaments: clinical, histologic and radiographic evaluation

Synthetic ligament for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction has been widely used in the past. Long-term follow-up has demonstrated the unreliability of many of these devices in ACL surgery, and problems may arise for the surgeon approaching a patient with failed artificial ligament reconstruction. The aim of this study is to investigate whether revision surgery may improve clinical and radiographic outcomes in patients with failed synthetic ACL reconstruction. Fourteen patients who were treated in the past with ACL reconstruction with synthetic grafts underwent two-stage revision surgery. Follow-up averaged 4.2 years (range 2–6 years). Mean KOOS score was 75.8 (SD 10.2); IKDC score was B in two patients, C in nine and D in three. The improvement compared to preoperative status was not statistically significant (p > 0.05). Four patients were positive to Lachman and anterior drawer tests. Mean side-to-side anterior laxity averaged 4.3 mm (SD 1.2). Biopsy specimens documented the presence of foreign body granulomatous reaction, giant foreign body cells and polyethylene wear particles. The level of osteoarthritis worsened at follow-up compared to preoperative status (p < 0.05). ACL revision surgery with autografts in patients who underwent previous failed primary synthetic ligament reconstruction does not improve clinical outcomes and does not influence the natural history of knee osteoarthritis started from artificial ligament debris.