Lateral extra-articular tenodesis by femoral fixation is beneficial to anterior cruciate ligament graft survival: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Background and Aims: Lateral extra-articular tenodesis (LET) is increasingly used as an adjunct to anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) to reduce graft failure, particularly in high-risk patients. Multiple femoral fixation techniques for LET have been described; however, their relative effectiveness in improving graft survivorship and associated complications remains unclear. Materials and Methods: A systematic review and meta-analysis were performed in accordance with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Electronic databases were searched for studies comparing ACLR with and without LET using the modified Lemaire technique. Subgroup analyses were conducted based on femoral fixation method, graft type, reconstruction setting (primary vs. revision), and level of evidence. The primary outcome was anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) graft failure. Pooled odd ratios (ORs) were calculated using a random-effects model. Results: Eleven studies encompassing 2208 knees were included. Overall, ACLR augmented with LET significantly reduced graft failure compared with isolated ACLR (OR, 0.45; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.30–0.68; p = 0.0002). Subgroup analysis demonstrated a significant reduction in failure rates with anchor fixation (OR, 0.31; 95% CI, 0.13–0.75) and staple fixation (OR, 0.43; 95% CI, 0.23–0.79). Screw, button, and suture fixation did not demonstrate statistically significant reductions in graft failure. No significant heterogeneity was observed across analyses. Conclusion: LET augmentation significantly improves ACL graft survivorship compared with ACLR alone. Anchor and staple femoral fixation methods demonstrate the greatest clinical benefit; however, overlapping confidence intervals preclude definitive superiority of one technique.