TITLE:
Preliminary Results of Double-Bundle Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction and Technique-Specific Problems
AUTHORS:
Olcay Guler, Ferdi Donmez, Mahir Mahirogullari, Mehmet Isyar, Selami Cakmak, Serhat Mutlu
KEYWORDS:
ACL Reconstruction, Double-Bundle, Hamstring Tendon Graft, Femoral Brace
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Orthopedics,
Vol.4 No.8,
August
11,
2014
ABSTRACT: Background: In this study, we determined the efficiency of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction using the double-bundle technique and addressed technique-specific problems. Patients and Methods: Twenty-nine patients who underwent ACL reconstruction due to ACL rupture with the arthroscopic double-bundle ENDOBUTTON CL method using autogenous hamstring tendons were evaluated. All patients were males and the mean age was 24.3 years (range 20 - 41 years). The mean follow-up period was 36.4 months (minimum 16 and maximum 53 months). Diagnosis was based on medical history and physical examination. Lachman, anterior drawer and pivot shift tests were performed. The patient diagnosis was verified with X-ray roentgenogram and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Tunnel mergence and graft hanging problems were discussed. Results: Pre- and postoperative clinical assessments of the patients showed the mean Lysholm score increased from 60.2 (48 - 72) preoperatively to 91.5 (85 - 98) at the final visit, whereas the mean Tegner score increased from 5.58 (3 - 9) preoperatively to 6.03 (4 - 9) at the final visit. According to the International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) knee ligament standard evaluation system, five patients were classified as B (17%); 11 patients were classified as C (38%); and 13 patients were classified as D (45%) before the surgery. At the postoperative evaluation, 17 (59%) patients were classified as A; 11 (38%) patients were classified as B; and 1 (3%) patient was classified as C. Conclusion: The double-bundle technique using hamstring tendons and femoral braces is an efficient and satisfactory method for ACL reconstruction.