Disabling synovitis associated with LARS artificial ligament use in anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: A case report

Authors

Constantine M. Glezos
Alison Waller
Henry E. Bourke
Lucy J. Salmon
Leo Pinczewski, University of Notre Dame AustraliaFollow

Publication Details

Glezos, C. M., Waller, A., Bourke, H. E., Salmon, L. J., Pinczewski, L. A. (2012). Disabling synovitis associated with LARS artificial ligament use in anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: A case report. American Journal of Sports Medicine, 40(5), 1167-1171. doi:10.1177/0363546512438510

Abstract

The Ligament Augmentation Reconstruction System (LARS, Surgical Implants and Devices, Arc-sur-Tille, France) is a synthetic, nonabsorbable augmentation device made of polyethylene terephthalate (PET).¹ It has rapidly gained popularity in Australia because of the lack of graft donor site morbidity and the perceived absence of risk permitting an earlier return to sporting activity. While autograft use in anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction has demonstrated excellent clinical results,^4,13 little has been published to support the use of artificial ligaments. Poor patient outcomes associated with graft failure, tunnel osteolysis, foreign body synovitis, and premature arthritis are among the reasons that artificial ligaments were abandoned over 2 decades ago.¹² We present a case report of disabling synovitis after LARS artificial ligament implantation that required revision at 1 year. This case is a cautionary note to the implantation of LARS ligaments into young and active patients. The patient provided consent for the use of case information in this publication.

Keywords

peer-reviewed