A case report of traumatic osteoarthritis associated with LARS artificial ligament use in anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction

BACKGROUND A ligament advanced reinforcement system (LARS) artificial ligament has been proposed for use in anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction, and many reports have shown its success in ACL reconstruction. However, there are great concerns about the potential risk of complications, which might prevent its extensive use. Late failure may occur due to serious complications. CASE PRESENTATION We report a rare case of serious osteoarthritis that occurred 2 years postoperatively in a 51-year-old man who underwent reconstruction with an LARS artificial ligament. In X-rays, the tibial tunnel was placed too posteriorly. MRI showed that the tibial tunnel was enlarged, and there was a large effusion in the knee joint. The LARS device was rough and worn. Histologically, a large number of fibroblasts and a few multinucleated giant cells infiltrated the graft fibres. CONCLUSION Our findings remind surgeons that an LARS device should be with great caution in ACL reconstruction.