Comparison in outcome after removal of implant in anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction using modified implant

BACKGROUND: ACL reconstruction is a joint orthopedic surgery globally, with approximately a 42% increase in implant usage in Indonesia in 2019 compared to 2018. Previously, Hasanuddin University orthopedic surgeons have developed an implant modification technique that is easily accessible and affordable. However, it’s associated with complications like infection and pain, prompting removal. This study focused on comparing the functional outcomes of patients with and without modified implants after ACL reconstruction.METHODS: This research is a descriptive-analytic quantitative, cross-sectional study where the sample is followed simultaneously. The study was conducted from January to December 2022 at Wahidin Sudirohusodo Hospital, Makassar, and Hasanuddin University Education Hospital, Makassar. The reachable population in this study were patients who underwent ACL reconstruction surgery with modified implants and had implants removed after 12 months of surgery at Wahidin Sudirohusodo Hospital from January 2022 - November 2022.RESULTS: According to the 27 study samples, there were no differences were found regarding Tibial translation between before and after implant removal at 3, 6, and 12-month follow-up (P=0.106; 0.211; 0.057). The average Lysholm score did not significantly differ between the three follow-up times (82±11.27; 95.07±5.34; 97.81±2.57) (P=0.115).CONCLUSIONS: Modified implant in ACL can considered to be removed after one year of utility.