Revision Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction With Patellar Tendon Allograft

Despite the marked advances in treatment and highly predictable success of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruc- tion, an approximate 10% to 15% failure rate is noted in the literature. The mechanism of failure is often difficult to ascertain and is often multifactorial. A strong patient-physician relationship must be estab- lished to proceed with revision ACL reconstruction. After the deci- sion has been made to proceed with revision ACL reconstruction extensive preoperative planning is warranted. Revision ACL recon- tructions are a ''salvage'' procedure to allow the patient to perform activities of daily living. A return to sports is a possibility, but the patient's expectations should be realistic and individualized. This article focuses on the surgical technique of revision anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction with patellar tendon allograft.