Risk factors for ACL revision failure and optimum graft size for revision anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction
PMCID: PMC12179230
PMID: 40536685
DOI: 10.1007/s00590-025-04381-7
Journal: European journal of orthopaedic surgery & traumatology : orthopedie traumatologie
Publication Date: 2025-6-19
Authors: Lu VY, Lee DH, Tsui SH, Lo TC, Chau WW, et al.
Key Points
- Graft diameter < 9 mm significantly increases re-rupture risk in revision ACLR
- 16.7% of revision ACLR patients experienced graft re-rupture
- Surgeons should carefully counsel patients about return to pivoting sports after revision surgery
Summary
This retrospective study investigated risk factors for graft re-rupture after revision anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR), focusing on the critical clinical challenge of graft failure in secondary surgical interventions. Among 132 patients undergoing revision ACLR, the overall graft re-rupture rate was 16.7%, with a mean follow-up of 3.22 years. The research specifically examined how graft diameter and return to pivoting sports might influence re-injury risk.
Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed two significant independent risk factors for graft re-rupture: graft diameter < 9 mm (OR: 3.873; 95% CI 1.128–13.293; p=0.031) and return to pivoting sports after revision surgery (OR: 4.105; 95% CI 1.008–16.721; p=0.049). Notably, contrary to potential expectations, concomitant knee pathologies such as meniscal or chondral lesions were not associated with increased re-rupture rates. These findings provide nuanced insights for surgeons planning revision ACLR, emphasizing the importance of graft sizing and patient activity modification.