Editorial Commentary: Indications for Lateral Extra-Articular Tenodesis in Primary Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction.

Abstract

Lateral extra-articular tenodesis and other anterolateral procedures improve patient outcomes when combined with anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. Failure rates are >50% lower in young patients at high risk of reinjury. We defined patients at high risk as those aged 14 to 25 years with 2 or more factors of the following criteria: 1) returning to contact pivoting sport, 2) high-grade anterolateral rotatory laxity, as measured by pivot shift test (grade 2 or higher), and 3) generalized ligamentous laxity (Beighton score greater than 4) or knee hyperextension recurvatum of greater than 10°. Other indications may include Segond fracture, chronic anterior cruciate ligament lesion, radiographic lateral femoral notch sign, and lateral coronal plane laxity. A clearer understanding of indications determined by a comprehensive clinical assessment and risk stratification is needed. As indications continue to be "stretched," we need to better understand the role of lateral extra-articular tenodesis and when to employ it in our practice.