Comparative study of double-bundle anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction with hamstring tendon autografts versus semitendinosus allografts.

Abstract

Objective To compare the primary clinical results of double-bundle anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction （ACLR） with hamstring tendon autografts versus semitendinosus allografts. Methods From February to August of 2006,61 patients with isolated ACL rupture were treated with hamstring tendon autografts （38 patients） and with semitendinosus allografts （23 patients）. To all the patients~ objective clinical examinations, including stability of the knee, Lachman test, Pivot Shift Test and leg circumference were tak- en. International Knee Documentation Committee （IKDC） scores, Tegner scores and Lysholm scores were used to evaluate the clinical results. At 2 years follow-up, MR imaging of the operated knee were taken to e- valuate the grafts. Results In autograft group the Lachnmn test was negative in 35 patients, one plus in 3 patients. In allograft group the Lachman test was negative in 20 patients, one plus in 2 patients, three plus in 1 patient. The pivot test was one plus in one patient of both group. In Autograft group the anterior-posterior transmission side-to-side difference （KT-1000,134 N）was 0-2 mm in 34 patients, and 3-5 mm in 4 patients. In allograft group the side-to-side difference was 0-2 mm in 20 patients （86.96%）, 3-5 mm in 2 patients, over 10 mm in 1 patient. IKDC subjective scores in autograft group were 90.26±2.92 versus 89.48±7.27 in allograft group. Lysholm scores was 95.00±4.40 versus 94.57±8.83. Tegner scores was 6.21~0.84 versus 6.17±1.15. The difference of leg circumference in autograft group was （0.62~0.43） cm versus （0.57±0.42） cm in allograft group. Conclusion Double-bundle ACLR with hamstring tendon autografts and semitendinosus allografts have similar excellent results. Key words: Arthroscopy; Anterior cruciate ligament; Transplants; Knee joint