Short-term functional outcomes of anatomic single-bundle ACL reconstruction using modified I.D.E.A.L technique

Abstract

To achieve a satisfactory knee function and successful return to sports activities in patients with an ACL injury, it is essential to accurately reproduce the native ligament anatomy and biomechanics by placing the graft in the anatomical position within the ACL footprint. Our objectives are to investigate the short-term functional outcomes of an anatomic single-bundle reconstruction using the modified I.D.E.A.L technique of femoral tunnel placement, with 1-year follow-up.A retrospective observational study of 120 patients who developed ACL rupture and underwent anatomic single-bundle reconstruction in TUY MALIK private hospital/ Sulaymaniyah city/Iraq from March 2020 till March 2022. The functional outcomes of the procedure were assessed using the subjective knee evaluation scores (IKDC, Lysholm, and Tegner scores) preoperative and 1-year postoperatively. The mean preoperative IKDC score was 50.96 (40.22- 60.91), and 1-year postoperative score was 83.81 (72.41-95.40), with a (p-value 0.000), whereas the mean Lysholm score was 51.17 (40-67) and 86.19 (75-95) preoperative and postoperative, respectively, with a (p-value 0.000). The mean Tegner score was 7.59 preinjury, while 3.63 before the operation and 7.18 after the operation with (p-value 0.000), representing a statistically significant enhancement in functional outcomes between preoperative and final clinical follow-up assessment.Reconstructing ACL anatomically by placing the graft in the modified I.D.E.A.L position within the native femoral footprint can reestablish near-normal knee biomechanics, obtain unrestricted knee range of motion, and successful return to preinjury activity level.