Citations

Background: Increased posterior tibial slope (PTS) has been associated with higher revision rates after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR). Whether the addition of lateral extra-articular tenodesis (LET) mitigates the risk associated with increased PTS is unclear. Purpose: To determine the prevalence of increased PTS (≥12°) in a young high-risk primary ACLR population and evaluate whether LET is associated with lower revision rates in patients with increased PTS. Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: This study included patients aged ≤25 years undergoing primary ACLR across 3 high-volume centers with ≥2 years between surgery and data collection. PTS was measured on lateral radiographs for medial and lateral plateaus. Primary analyses consisted of 4 prespecified multivariable logistic regression models with different PTS operationalizations as continuous predictors per 1° increase (medial PTS, lateral PTS, the maximum [PTSmax], and the lateral-medial difference), adjusted for patient and surgical covariates including graft type, with surgical center as a fixed effect. Secondary analyses used PTS dichotomized at 12°; revision rates were compared between isolated ACLR and ACLR with LET, with the treatment effect quantified as absolute risk reduction and number needed to treat. Results: A total of 780 patients were included; 84 (10.8%) underwent revision ACLR. Increased PTS (≥12°) was present in 28.2% of patients and more common in those requiring revision (38.6% vs 27.0%; P = .03). In patients with PTSmax ≥12°, revision occurred in 21.0% without LET and 9.2% with LET (absolute risk reduction, 11.8% [95% CI, 2.3%-21.3%]; number needed to treat, 9); in patients with PTSmax <12°, revision occurred in 13.2% without LET and 5.4% with LET (absolute risk reduction, 7.8% [95% CI, 3.0%-12.6%]; number needed to treat, 13). In the 4 prespecified multivariable models with PTS as a continuous predictor, LET was independently associated with substantially lower odds of revision ACLR (odds ratio [OR], 0.37; 95% CI, 0.22-0.62; P < .001). Lateral PTS (OR, 1.09 per 1° increase; 95% CI, 1.00-1.18; P = .04) and PTSmax (OR, 1.09; 95% CI, 1.00-1.19; P = .04) were independently associated with revision ACLR. The lateral-medial PTS difference was not associated with revision ACLR. Conclusion: In a young high-risk primary ACLR population, increased PTS was present in nearly 30% of patients. LET was associated with a lower risk of revision irrespective of PTS, while increased PTS was independently associated with revision ACLR.

Purpose To develop an expert consensus statement on the diagnosis, management, and rehabilitation of medial meniscal root tears (MMRTs) using a modified Delphi technique. Methods A working group developed statements on MMRT diagnosis, nonoperative management, surgical indications, surgical management, alignment, and rehabilitation using modified Delphi techniques. Fifty‐six experts were surveyed over 3 rounds to reach consensus, with agreement measured on a 5‐point Likert scale. Statements were included, revised, or excluded on the basis of predefined thresholds (≥75% agreement, <20% disagreement). Experts suggested revisions or new statements in the first 2 rounds, and final consensus statements were included. Results All 56 experts completed 3 survey rounds. Experts agreed that root tears may occur with no known history of trauma, typically in older patients, and that it should be diagnosed with an magnetic resonance imaging. In symptomatic patients with MMRTs without advanced osteoarthritis should be repaired using an anatomic transtibial pull‐out technique (performing a pie‐crusting technique can be helpful for visualization). Nonoperative management is advised for patients with advanced osteoarthritis. High tibial osteotomy may be considered for significant varus malalignment during MMRT repair. The only statement without consensus was the management of asymptomatic MMRTs with mild medial compartment cartilage wear, indicating ongoing debate. Conclusions Overall, 98% of statements reached consensus. There is agreement that magnetic resonance imaging is the gold standard for diagnosis. Symptomatic MMRTs without advanced osteoarthritis should be repaired early using an anatomic transtibial pull‐out technique. End‐stage knee osteoarthritis warrants nonoperative management of MMRTs, and a structured postoperative protocol with limited weightbearing and range of motion is essential after repair. No agreement was reached on managing asymptomatic MMRTs in patients without significant medial compartment degeneration. Meniscal centralization sutures may help in cases of substantial extrusion, but their routine use is debated. Level of Evidence Level V, consensus of expert opinion.