Contracción térmica por radiofrecuencia del ligamento anterior cruzado…(Ing.)

Farng E, Hunt SA, Rose DJ, Sherman OH.

Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, New York University School of Medicine, The New York University-Hospital for Joint Diseases, New York, USA.

PURPOSE: To review the results of 34 patients who underwent radiofrequency thermal shrinkage (RFTS) for treatment of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) laxity in the attenuated and partially torn ACL.

TYPE OF STUDY: Retrospective cross-sectional survey performed at least 6 months after treatment.

METHODS: Patients with recurrent instability after attenuation of ACL autografts and partially torn ACLs were treated with RFTS. Follow-up included subjective questionnaires (International Knee Documentation Committee [IKDC], Tegner, and Lysholm) and objective clinical tests (IKDC, KT-1000, pivot-shift, Lachman, single-leg hop).

RESULTS: Mean follow-up was 21.4 months. Based on IKDC and subjective evaluation, 18 of 20 (90%) partially torn ACLs and 10 of 14 reconstructed ACLs (71%) treated with RTFS were judged to have good or excellent knee function (overall 82%). ACL laxity based on KT-1000 was less successful, with 15 of 20 (75%) partially torn ACLs and 8 of 12 (66%) reconstructed ACLs considered successful.

CONCLUSIONS: With no major complications in this study, we conclude that RFTS for treatment of ACL laxity is a well-tolerated procedure with success rates around 71% to 90% in selected patients. RFTS may be offered as a less-extensive alternative to patients being considered for ACL reconstruction who have either attenuated or partially torn ligaments, especially in the athletically low-demand population. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, case series.