Internal Suture Augmentation Technique to Protect the Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction Graft

Abstract

The anterior cruciate ligament suture augmentation technique is a method to augment anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) with autologous hamstring tendons using a braided ultrahigh–molecular weight polyester or polyethylene suture or suture tape and fixed on both the femoral and tibial sides independent of the graft to act as a backup or secondary stabilizer until complete integration and ligamentization of the graft take place. The technique is proposed to allow early rehabilitation and return to sports after ACLR and may be advantageous in patients with a high body mass index and in cases with small grafts (7 or 7.5 mm in diameter). In such situations the technique is supposed to decrease the risk of reinjury, as well as the degree of postoperative lengthening or stretching of the graft, in the early postoperative avascular phase. We describe graft preparation with the internal suture augmentation technique in arthroscopic ACLR using a cortical button system on the femoral side and a Bio-Interference Screw (Arthrex, Naples, FL) on the tibial side.