Purpose The purpose of this study was to retrospectively evaluate the clinical outcome of revision anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction with contralateral hamstring tendon autografts, specifically with regard to patient satisfaction, return to preinjury activity level, and postoperative functional outcomes. Methods Between 2004 and 2011, 23 patients underwent revision ACL reconstruction with contralateral autogenous hamstring tendon grafts and were retrospectively reviewed at an average follow-up of 6.3 years. Subjective and functional evaluations were performed. The Tegner score, Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS), and International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) Subjective Knee Form were used. Objective evaluation included range of motion, Lachman test, pivot-shift test, and KT-1000 instrumented laxity testing. Wilcoxon test was used to compare the preoperative and follow-up status. Differences with a p -value of <0.05 were considered statistically significant. Results No major complications were reported. The mean KOOS significantly increased from a preoperative mean of 62.8 ± 8.3 to 85.8 ± 6.9 ( p < 0.001). IKDC subjective score significantly improved from 29.2 ± 10.4 to 72.8 ± 5.2 ( p < 0.001). The median Tegner activity score significantly improved from a preoperative mean of 6.5 (range: 4-10) to 7.5 (range: 7-10) ( p < 0.001). Most of the patients increased or returned to the same activity level, with 61% of the patients returning to cutting and pivoting sports. Conclusion The use of contralateral hamstring tendon autografts for ACL revision surgery represents a valid option following a failed primary ACL reconstruction and confirms subjective and objective clinical improvement 6 years after surgery. Level of Evidence Level IV, therapeutic case series.
Keywords: anterior cruciate ligament; contralateral; hamstring tendons; return to sports; revision surgery.