Editorial Commentary: Lateral Extra-articular Augmentation With Anterior Cruciate Ligament Surgery Is Safe but Not Risk Free. Should We Be Doing This in Everyone?

Abstract

Anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction is a constantly evolving procedure, and we continue to push the limits to improve outcomes for our patients. As rates of reinjury continue to be higher than we desire, we have consistently sought methods to improve postoperative outcomes and reduce the rates of revision surgeries. The rebirth of lateral extra-articular augmentation procedures has given us a strong tool to leverage to achieve these goals. It is essential that we continue to appreciate the price of this progress and fully understand the risks of augmenting our existing surgical techniques. Finding the optimal patients on whom to utilize these techniques is the key to balancing our success in this challenging patient population.