"Anterior Cruciate Ligament Revision Surgery More Effective When Preserving Existing Vertical Ligament"

A surgical method has been proposed that preserves the existing vertical ligament when reconstructing the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL).

Photo showing the revision surgery performed while preserving the existing vertical ligament. [Photo by Gangbuk Samsung Hospital]

Kangbuk Samsung Hospital announced on the 19th that the orthopedic surgery team led by Professor Son Dong-wook analyzed the results of a surgical method that preserves the existing vertical ligament during treatment.

The knee anterior cruciate ligament provides stability when the knee moves forward or rotates. The ACL can be torn due to excessive impact or severe twisting. Typically, ACL tear surgery involves removing the torn ligament or leaving part of it and grafting a tendon to replace the ligament. However, if re-tearing or functional decline occurs after such surgery, revision surgery is performed.

The research team conducted a comparative analysis of 74 patients with existing ACLs oriented vertically and exhibiting rotational instability, using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Instability was measured through X-ray (radiographic) laxity tests and physical examinations. The results showed that the group that preserved the vertical ACL and underwent ACL revision reconstruction had less anterior-posterior instability compared to the group that did not. In particular, when more than 50% of the existing ACL remained in a non-anatomical vertical position, anterior-posterior instability was significantly lower after ACL revision reconstruction.

Professor Son Dong-wook of the Department of Orthopedic Surgery at Kangbuk Samsung Hospital stated, "This study is significant in that it presents a new method that can significantly improve anterior-posterior instability in ACL revision reconstruction," adding, "We will continue various studies to improve patients' quality of life."

Meanwhile, this paper was published in the March issue of the American sports medicine journal 'OJSM (Orthopaedic Journal of Sports Medicine).'

Professor Son Dong-wook, Department of Orthopedics, Kangbuk Samsung Hospital. [Photo by Kangbuk Samsung Hospital]

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