A Prospective, Double-Blind Evaluation of Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction With Tibialis Tendon Allograft: Donor Age Does Not Alter Outcomes.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect of graft donor age on outcomes of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction with nonirradiated, fresh-frozen tibialis tendon allografts.

METHODS: This prospective, randomized, double-blind, single surgeon, 2-year follow-up study enrolled 40 patients (28 female, 12 male who underwent ACL reconstruction with tibialis tendon allografts. Results were compared with historical outcomes for allografts from donors aged 18 to 70 years. Analysis was determined by Group A (<50 years) and Group B (>50 years). Objective and subjective International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) forms, KT-1000 testing, and Lysholm scores were used for the evaluation.

RESULTS: Follow-up on average of 24 months was completed in 37 patients (92.5%; Group A = 17, Group B = 20). Average patient age at surgery for Group A was 42.1 years (range 27-54) and Group B was 41.7 years (range 24-56). None of the patients required additional surgery during the initial 2-year follow-up. At 2-year follow-up, there were no significant differences in subjective outcomes. IKDC objective ratings for Group A were A-15 and B-2, and Group B were A-19 and B-1 ( P  = .45). Average IKDC subjective scores for Group A were 86.1 (± 16.2) and Group B were 84.1 (± 15.6) ( P  = .70). KT-1000 side to side differences for Group A were 0-4, 1-10, and 2-2, and Group B were 0-2, 1-10, 2-6 ( P  = .28). Average Lysholm scores for Group A were 91.4 (± 16.7) and Group B were 88.1 (± 12.3) ( P  = .49).

CONCLUSIONS: Donor age was not associated with clinical outcomes after ACL reconstruction using nonirradiated, fresh-frozen tibialis tendon allografts.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: II, prospective prognostic trial.