Introduction

The aim of this study was to determine if elite athletes could return to professional sport after MCL or PLC reconstruction using LARS ligaments and to demonstrate the safety and efficacy of LARS by reporting sport longevity, subsequent surgeries and complications.

Methods

A retrospective review of all extra-articular knee ligament reconstructions in elite athletes utilising LARS ligaments by 3 knee surgeons between January 2013 and October 2020 was undertaken. Return to play (RTP) was defined as competing at professional level or national/ international level in amateur sport.

Results

Sixty-four (84.2%) MCL and 12 (15.8%) PLC reconstructions utilising LARS in elite athletes were included. 52 (68.4%) underwent concomitant cruciate(s) reconstruction. The mean age was 25.1 years (SD +/− 4.50. Most were football (35, 46.1%) or rugby players (35, 46.1%).

Sixty-seven athletes (88.2%) RTP with 65 (97.0%) of these playing at the same or higher Tegner level. 56 (83.6%) and 20 (57.1%) were still playing at 2 and 5 years post-surgery.

Six (7.9%) players (5 of whom RTP) required further surgery relating to the LARS / metalwork and there was one case of adverse local inflammatory reaction to the synthetic material. There was one MCL re-rupture, sustained 4 years after RTP.

Conclusion

Utilising LARS in extra-articular knee ligament reconstructions allows 88.2% of athletes, with a variety of knee ligament injuries, to return to elite sport. The low morbidity rates coupled with 57% of athletes still playing 5 years post-surgery suggests the LARS is safe and effective in these cases.