2015 ISAKOS Biennial Congress ePoster #1136

Outcomes of Multi-Ligament Reconstructions of the Knee Performed in Elite Football Players

Jason L. Dragoo, MD, Englewood, CO UNITED STATES
Jason Saleh, MD, Palo Alto, CA UNITED STATES

stanford University, palo Alto, CA, USA

FDA Status Not Applicable

Summary: Intercollegiate football players sustaining multi-ligamentous knee injuries ligaments may return to play at a high level, including the professional level using a staged reconstruction technique.

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Abstract:

Introduction

There is a paucity of data on techniques and outcomes of multi-ligament reconstructions performed in elite football players. We present a series of six elite athletes who sustained multi-ligament knee injuries and underwent subsequent reconstruction.

Methods

Six athletes, all division 1 intercollegiate football players age 18-22, underwent reconstruction of at least two ligaments including the anterior cruciate ligament, medial collateral ligament, lateral collateral ligament, and/or posterolateral corner and biceps femoris. All reconstructions were completed using a staged approach; the collateral/posterolateral corner reconstruction was performed first and the ACL reconstruction after return of full ROM (average 6 weeks post first-stage). Two to six year follow up was collected using KOOS, Lysholm, VR-12 and Tegner scores.

Results

Five of the six athletes returned to play at the intercollegiate level and continued to play in the National Football League (NFL). Average Tegner score was 9, with four players reporting a Tegner score of 10. Lysholm score averaged 94. KOOS score averages ranged from 86 (quality of life score) to 98 (function score).

Conclusion

Intercollegiate football players sustaining multi-ligamentous knee injuries ligaments may return to play at a high level, including the professional level using a staged reconstruction technique.