PURPOSE:
To assess the current literature surrounding suture tape augmentation (STA) of posterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (PCLR) with additional evaluation of PCLR+STA in clinical practice.

METHODS:
A systematic search of 3 databases (PubMed, EMBASE, and Web of Science Core Collection) was performed following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines and was completed in April 2023 to identify studies related to PCLR+STA. Surgical technique, animal, biomechanical, and clinical studies were included for review with quality appraisal conducted according to study design.

RESULTS:
A total of 380 articles were identified in the search, 6 of which met inclusion criteria. Biomechanical studies showed a significant reduction in posterior tibial translation with STA of PCLR in multiple studies. STA was found to decrease total elongation by 45% to 58% in multiple studies; increased load to failure was seen with STA as well in 1 study. Clinical studies showed equivalent or improved patient-reported outcomes with STA of PCLR compared with PCLR alone.

CONCLUSIONS:
Biomechanical studies offer evidence showing the beneficial load-sharing properties of STA such as increased strength and ultimate load with decreased elongation of the graft, especially with larger forces. Clinical evidence illustrates improved or equivalent patient-reported outcomes to standard PCLR with no difference in complication rate.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE:
STA of PCLR offers an opportunity to improve initial graft stability during the early healing phase through load sharing between the augmentation and the graft.