Arthroscopic reconstruction of anterior cruciate ligament with hamstring tendon graft using bioabsorbatble rigidfix cross pins

Abstract

Objective To describe the surgical technique in reconstructing anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) with six strands harmstring tendon graft fixed by bioabsurbable rigidfix cross pins under arthroseopy and to e-valuate its efficacy. Methods From March 2005 to June 2008,39 patients with ACL injury were treated with ACL reconstruction by transplantation of six strands autogenous harmstring tendon , fixed by bioabsorbable rigidfix cross pins in femoral side. There are 22 male and 17 female,ages from 22 to 55 (the average age is 37). 19 cases were hurt in traffic accident, and another 20 cases in accidental injury. The state of illness is 7 days to 38 months. 13 cases merge the meniscus rupture, and 4 cases of meniscus suture,8 partial meniscectomy, 1 meniscectomy were performed simultaneously ;4 cases associating with the medial collateral ligaments Ⅲ degree injure underwent medial collateral ligament neo-plasty or reconstruction ;no cases merge posterior cruciate ligament injury, the patients were followed up 12 to 51 months , Pre-and post-operative knee joint function and stability were evaluated according to the Lysholm scoring scale system and the results of KT-2000 arthrometer , the clinical results and the reliability of the fixation were analyzed. Results 32 patients were followed-up and there is no limitation of the extention in the knee joints. The flexation of the knee joint is greater than 120°,and the anterior drawer test in 90° of flexation were negative in all patients. The postoperative Lachman test was strong positive in 1 case, negative in 26 cases and positive in 5 cases. The Lysholm scores was (92.6±4.2) points. The results of KT-2000 arthrometer: 31 cases 0-4.5 nun, average 3.2 mm;1 case 6. 5 mm. Conclusions It is a safe and reliable method to reconstruct ACL with six strands harmstring tendon graft fixing by bioabsorbable rigidfix cross pins under arthroscopy, and this procedure can obtain primary stabilization and long term stabilization of the autografts. Key words: Anterior cruciate ligament; Arthroscopy; Tendon; Transplantation