Arthroscopic Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction Using a Hamstring Graft with Interference Screw Fixation

Abstract

This study assessed the clinical and radiographic results 3 to 8 years after an arthroscopic ACL reconstruction using a hamstring graft with interference screw fixation on femoral and tibial sites. Seventy-six of 100 patients, who underwent an arthroscopic ACL reconstruction, could be re-examined with a mean follow-up of 5 years. The mean Tegner activity score was 4 (scale: 0 to 10) before surgery, and 5 at the follow-up. Fifty-four patients (78%) achieved a satisfactory result in the IKDC rating. The mean Lysholm score was 85 (scale: 0 to 100), the score being better in patients without meniscal resection than those with (P = 0.04). The mean side-to-side difference in anterior-posterior knee laxity was 1.8 mm, and 62 patients (90%) had good stability. Sixty-four patients (93%) had normal range of motion of the knee. Twelve patients (46%) with meniscal resection had osteoarthritic changes, compared with only 8 of those (20%) without meniscal resection (P = 0.03). This medium-term follow-up study showed that good stability and function and normal range of motion of the knee can be achieved in majority of the patients who have undergone an ACL reconstruction with a hamstring graft and interference screw fixation.