Improving Outcomes and Decreasing the Risk of Re-injury after ACL Surgery

Protecting Athletes’ Knees: The Role of Lateral Extra-Articular Tenodesis (LET)

When high-demand athletes injure their ACL, they often need surgery called ACL reconstruction. Unfortunately, young patients and those who play high-impact sports like soccer are at a higher risk of tearing their ACL again. To reduce this risk and protect the knee, Dr. Fury may recommend an additional procedure during ACL surgery called Lateral Extra-Articular Tenodesis (LET).

What is LET?

LET is a procedure where a small part of the iliotibial band (a strong band of tissue on the side of the thigh) is attached to the outside of the knee. This helps stabilize the knee during quick movements, like pivoting and jumping, which are common in sports. Adding LET to ACL reconstruction provides extra support and helps lower the chances of reinjury.

Who Benefits Most?

Not every athlete has the same risk of reinjury. Certain factors make some individuals more likely to tear their ACL again, including:

- Young age: Teens and children are more active and at a higher risk for repeat injuries.

- Hyperlaxity: Patients with increased mobility or “looseness” in their joints are susceptible to repeat injuries.

- Morphology: Some patients have differences in alignment or range of motion in their knee that may increase their risk of reinjury.

- High-demand sports: Activities involving sudden direction changes or jumping can put extra stress on the ACL.

- Meniscal injuries: Damage to the meniscus, the knee’s shock-absorbing cushion, may increase reinjury risk.

- Previous ACL tears: Athletes with a history of ACL injury are more vulnerable to graft failure, and revision cases may have lower rates of satisfactory outcomes.

Proven Benefits of LET

Research has shown that adding LET to ACL reconstruction provides significant benefits:

1. Reduced Reinjury Risk for Meniscal Injuries: Studies have found that including a lateral stabilizing procedure like LET can cut the risk of retear in certain meniscal injuries by two-fold, helping to protect the knee's critical structures.

2. Better Outcomes for Professional Athletes: In high-level athletes, a lateral stabilizing procedure has been shown to decrease the rate of graft retear by two-fold, allowing them to return to their sports with more confidence and less worry about reinjury.

3. Improved Knee Stability: LET enhances knee stability, reducing the strain on the repaired ACL during sports.

4. Protection Against Future Injuries: By stabilizing the knee, LET helps prevent further damage to the meniscus and surrounding structures.

Why Choose Dr. Fury?

Dr. Fury is dedicated to helping athletes of all ages return to the activities they love with stronger, healthier knees. With extensive expertise in ACL reconstruction and procedures like LET, Dr. Fury will evaluate an athlete’s unique needs and recommend the best approach to ensure long-term success.

If you or your athlete has suffered an ACL injury, schedule a consultation with Dr. Fury today to learn if a lateral extra-articular stabilizing procedure like LET could be the right solution. Dr. Fury is here to help you get back in the game with confidence!