Editorial Commentary: Return to Sport Following Extra-Articular Augmentation of Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction-Let the LET (Lateral Extra-Articular Tenodesis) Games Commence!

Abstract

The debate around extra-articular augmentation (EA) of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction continues to provide a rich source of research articles that we ultimately hope will improve patient outcomes. When combined with ACL reconstruction, anterolateral ligament reconstruction or lateral extra-articular tenodesis procedures reduce graft failure and persistent rotatory laxity. An important metric of ACL reconstruction outcome is return to play (RTP). RTP rates are also excellent when EA procedures are used in both primary and revision ACL reconstruction. However, when it comes to RTP, EA augmentation has yet to show significant improvement over isolated ACL reconstruction.