LET is a procedure aimed at stabilizing the knee. The ACL is a crucial ligament in the center of your knee that helps control rotation and forward movement of the tibia (shinbone) relative to the femur (thighbone). When the ACL is injured, your knee can become unstable. LET involves reinforcing the outside (lateral) part of the knee by using a strip of ITB to enhance the stability provided by the ACL reconstruction. For those seeking to explore more about this theme, it is highly recommended to learn about hausarbeit schreiben lassen.
Lateral extra-articular tenodesis, or LET, is a surgical procedure often performed alongside anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction, especially in active sports patients or with a high risk of re-injury (eg ligament hyperlaxity).
Lateral extra-articular tenodesis, or LET, is a surgical procedure often performed alongside anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction, especially in active sports patients or with a high risk of re-injury (eg ligament hyperlaxity).
ACL reconstruction surgery primarily focuses on stabilizing the knee by replacing the torn ACL. However, for some patients, particularly those involved in high-demand sports or those with certain types of knee anatomy, ACL reconstruction alone may not fully correct the instability, or there may be a higher risk of re-injuring the ACL.
Medical research shows that adding LET can decrease the risk of re-injury by better controlling the rotational movements of the knee, which are not always fully addressed by ACL reconstruction alone. Studies have indicated that this combined approach can be particularly beneficial in reducing the rate of ACL graft failure and improving overall knee stability.
During LET, the surgeon takes a strip of ITB from the lateral side (outside) of the knee. This strip is then attached to the femur with strong stitches. This procedure is done at the same time as the ACL reconstruction. The goal is to reinforce the action of the reconstructed ACL, providing an extra layer of stability to prevent the knee from giving out, especially during activities that involve pivoting or sudden changes in direction.
Success Rate of LET
The success rate of LET, when combined with ACL reconstruction, is very good. Research indicates that it significantly lowers the risk of re-injury compared to ACL reconstruction alone. Patients often experience better knee stability and a lower rate of ACL graft failure. This can be crucial for athletes or individuals who wish to return to high-level pivoting sports eg netball, soccer, football.
The addition of LET to the ACL reconstruction surgery does not alter/interfere/slow down with your usual ACL rehab either.
Summary
Overall, lateral extra-articular tenodesis (LET) is a valuable addition to ACL reconstruction in certain cases. It enhances knee stability and helps certain patients return to their desired activity level with more confidence.
References
- Smith et al. (2019). “Combination of ACL reconstruction and lateral extra-articular tenodesis reduces the rate of ACL revision.” Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery and Research. This study showed that adding LET to standard ACL reconstruction significantly reduces the chances of needing a revision surgery.
- Williams et al. (2021). “Lateral Extra-Articular Tenodesis: A Systematic Review of Biomechanics, Clinical Outcomes, and Complications.” The American Journal of Sports Medicine. This review summarizes clinical outcomes and biomechanical studies supporting the use of LET in managing ACL injuries, particularly in patients with high rotational knee demands.