The long-term outcomes of different grafts in anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: a network meta-analysis.

Objectives: To compare the long-term prognosis of patients with different types of grafts used in anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR).

Methods: PubMed, Ovid (MEDLINE and Embase) and the Cochrane library were searched up to Feb 2020. Eligible studies about different grafts in ACLR were searched for identifying the evidence comparing the long-term (mean or median follow-up time or the general description of the follow-up time≥2 years) knee outcomes of different grafts for ACLR. The final included articles and evaluation criteria were confirmed by the authors and senior clinicians to ensure the validity of the included articles. Lysholm score, the results of pivot shift test, Lachman test and International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) evaluation were selected as prognostic indicators. A Bayesian network meta-analysis was conducted.

Results: A total of 30 articles were included in our network meta-analysis. Finally, we found that artificial graft or augmentation can provide the not bad Lysholm score but the worse result of IKDC evaluation for patients with ACLR compared with other types of grafts. Double-bundle hamstring autograft can provide a good Lysholm score as well as lower positive rate of pivot shift test and Lachman test. Patellar tendon autograft can provide the better result of IKDC evaluation. The patients with allogeneic tendon graft may get the higher positive rate of pivot shift test and Lachman test. Patients with single-bundle hamstring autograft may get the ordinary result of IKDC evaluation and Lysholm score.

Conclusions: Double-bundle hamstring autograft may be a better choice because of more items of good prognosis for the patients with ACLR. Patellar tendon autograft is a right choice which only shows the disadvantage on the Lysholm score. The prognosis of patients with single-bundle hamstring autograft is ordinary. The effect of artificial graft or augmentation needs more evidence to prove. Allogeneic tendon graft is not a better choice when compared with other grafts referred in our network meta-analysis.

Translational potential statement: In this study, we made a comprehensive comparison of the grafts commonly used in anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. The evidence presented in this study provides a reference for clinicians to select a suitable anterior cruciate ligament graft.