The potential benefit of thermal shrinkage for lax anterior cruciate ligaments.
Radiofrequency thermal shrinkage of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injured knee is a relatively recent treatment. The purpose of this study was to retrospectively analyse the results in a cohort of 32 patients with a minimum follow-up of 12 months (range 12-37 months). Cases were acute (1) or chronic (31), involving either a native or reconstructed ligament. Native ACL injuries were: lax but intact (12 + 1 acute), partial tears with remaining intact femoral attachment (4) or completely torn and attached to the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) (6). Reconstructions were: Hamstrings (3), Bone-Patella Tendon-Bone (5) or allograft (1). We also recorded concomitant pathology, function status, Lysholm and Tegner scores and KT2000 values. The procedure was successful in limiting instability overall in 72% (23/32), and in particular 44% of reconstructed ligaments (4/9). There was no correlation of results to the treatment of co-existent pathology. The clinical scores remained high in successful cases although sporting function did reduce by follow-up. We conclude that despite these results the technique is still of value in appropriately selected, counselled and rehabilitated individuals. It is a safe technique that may avoid the necessity to proceed to reconstruction and can be considered as a planned procedure or as an adjunct to other therapy for instability at the time of arthroscopy for other pathology.
Sports Unit, Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Hospital, Oswestry, Shropshire, SYO10 7AG, UK. candr.roach1@btinternet.com
Richard
R
Roach
Simon
S
Roberts
Dai
D
Rees
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D016118:Anterior Cruciate Ligament / Q000601:surgery*; D000070598:Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries; D001182:Arthroscopy / Q000379:methods*; D015331:Cohort Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006979:Hyperthermia, Induced / Q000379:methods*; D007718:Knee Injuries / Q000601:surgery*; D008297:Male; D012189:Retrospective Studies