Long‐term results of anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction using the medial third of the patellar tendon

Purpose: To report long-term outcome of anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) using the medial third of the patellar tendon in terms of knee function evaluated with clinical assessments, patient-reported outcomes (PROs) and radiological examinations. Methods: Forty patients were retrospectively evaluated 16.8 ± 0.3 (range 16.2-17.4) years after the index operation for anterior knee pain, side-to-side difference in anterior tibial translation (ATT), Lysholm score, Tegner score, subjective International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) score, Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) and radiographic evidence of osteoarthritis (Kellgren-Lawrence osteoarthritis [OA] grading). Conclusions: Long-term clinical outcomes following ACLR with the medial third of the patellar tendon demonstrate a low incidence of anterior knee pain, excellent anterior-posterior stability and low rate of mild radiographic osteoarthritis. The majority of patients had achieved acceptable knee function and symptom resolution. These findings suggest that the medial third of the patellar tendon autograft is a reliable option for achieving sustained knee function and high patient satisfaction in the long term. Level of Evidence: Level IV.