NON-FREE GRAFTS IN ANTERIOR CRUCIATE LIGAMENT AND LATERAL EXTRA-ARTICULAR TENODESIS RECONSTRUCTION

Abstract

Introduction. The modern development of technologies of ACL-R allows us to take a fresh look at the methods for recovery of anterior and rotational knee instability of the knee joint, which were used in the middle of the XX century. The objective was to evaluate the non-free tendon grafts while maintaining their anatomical attachment point for the isolated and complex ACL-R. Methods and materials. From 2014 to 2018, 128 patients were operated on the isolated ACL injuries (102 patients – 79.7 %) and complex ACL injuries (26 patients – 20.3 %). 26 (20.3 %) patients were operated on the rupture of a previously installed ACL graft. There were 72 men (56.3 %) and 56 women (43.7 %). The average age was (34.7±2.5) years. The average body weight was (82.7±1.6) kg; 24 (18.8 %) patients weighed over 85 kg. In 87 (68.0 %) cases, an anatomic single bundle ACL-R was performed by non-free graft either from the tendon of semitendinosus or in combination with the gracilis tendon. In 41 (32.0 %) cases, ACL-R was supplemented by LEAT (non-free iliotibial tract or free gracilis tendon grafts). The results were evaluated clinically, radiologically, and using the 2000 IKDC, KOSS and Lysholm Knee Scoring Scale integrated scales. In all cases, high stability of the knee joint was noted. Lachman and the pivot shift test recorded only 0 and 1 degrees. By the KOSS scale: «pain» was (86.7±2.3) points, «pathological symptoms» – (88.5±1.6) points, «daily activity» – (93.1±2.8) points, «sports activity» – (73.9±2.1) points, «quality of life» – (84.6±1.9) points. The average values of knee function by the Lysholm Knee Scoring Scale was 95.1±2.1. According to the 2000 IKDC, 117 (91.4 %) patients were included in group A, and 11 (8.6 %) in group B. Patients with moderate or severe impaired knee function (C and D) were not observed. The average time of the ACL-R was (82.1±2.4) min., ACL-R and LEAT – (94.7±6.9) min. The mean hospital stay was (3.2±1.8) days and (3.8±1.3) days, respectively. Conclusion. Non-free grafts for ACL-R and LEAT have an anatomically reliable fixation point, which allows to achieve high functional results of the knee joint. The proposed techniques can be reproduced with standard instruments and implants, taking into account the average operating time and blood loss, and without significant infection complications, persistent synovitis, contractures and hypotrophy of the thigh muscles.