Acute Single-Stage Reconstruction of Multiligament Knee Injuries Using the Ligament Advanced Reinforcement System

OBJECTIVE The purpose of the study was to report our early outcome in the management of multiligament knee injuries with the ligament advanced reinforcement system (LARS). SUBJECTS AND METHODS Between 2007 and 2010, 9 of 11 patients operated on for multiligament knee injuries were included in this study; 2 patients were excluded due to complicated neurovascular injuries, open knee dislocations and severe comorbidities. All patients were managed acutely (<3 weeks) by reconstructions of the cruciate and collateral ligaments with LARS ligament and were followed up for an average of 30 months (18-46 months). RESULTS The mean Lysholm score of the 9 patients at final follow-up was around 90 (range 88-94) with an average Tegner activity score of 5.5. The postoperative function of 1 case of KD-11 and 2 cases of KD-111 was rated as 'A,' while the remaining cases were rated 'B'. At final follow-up, minor osteoarthritic degeneration was detected in 1 case of KD-III and 2 cases of KD-IV. Superficial infection developed in 1 case, and no cases of knee synovitis and premature osteoarthritis were recorded. CONCLUSION A creditable outcome at mean of 30 months' follow-up was obtained in acute single-stage reconstruction of uncomplicated multiligament knee injuries with LARS ligament.