Combined AMRI and ALRI of the Knee in Elite Kabaddi Players: A Prospective Cohort Study of 26 Players

Abstract

Introduction

ACL tears are the most common injuries in kabaddi, an inherently violent high pivoting and high-velocity direct contact sport. Combined ACL and MCL injuries and combined ACL and ALL injuries have been better understood but there is a lacuna of literature on these combined injuries in kabaddi players and no literature on combined AMRI and ALRI injuries. The present prospective cohort study aims to assess knee outcomes and return to sport for these injuries in elite kabaddi players.

Methods

A prospective cohort of 26 elite kabaddi players with clinical and MRI findings of ACL and MCL high-grade partial or complete tears were recruited. After ACL reconstruction and MCL repair, the resultant pivot shift was assessed against the now intact medial pillar and those with high-grade or explosive pivot were addressed using a modified deep Lemaire lateral extra-articular tenodesis. Pain scores (VAS) and knee outcomes (IKDC and Lysholm scores) were assessed pre-operatively and at regular intervals until 1-year follow-up. Return to sport and complications were also assessed.

Results

There was significant improvement in pain and knee scores throughout the study period, with most patients achieving full scores by six months duration. Return to sport was 96% and return to sport at pre-injury level was 77%. Complication rate of the combined triple procedure was low (< 5%), with most complications being minor.

Conclusion

The triple procedure of ACL reconstruction, MCL repair and Lateral extraarticular tenodesis successfully addressed the combined AMRI and ALRI in elite kabaddi players with a high rate of return to sport, excellent knee outcomes and low complication rate.