The method of femoral tunnel drilling in anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction does not influence the return to sport rate

Abstract

BackgroundLimited evidence is available comparing the modified transtibial (MTT) and transportal (TP) techniques in anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction and their impact on returning to sports participation. The objective was to analyze the outcomes after arthroscopic reconstruction of the ACL in recreational athletes with a 2-year postoperative follow-up, comparing the MTT and TP techniques, based on the method used to drill the femoral tunnel. HypotesisThe rate of return to sport would be comparable regardless of the surgical technique used. Material and MethodsA retrospective study was conducted with 66 patients who underwent arthroscopic monofascicular ACL reconstruction between September 2016 and March 2020. Patients aged between 16 and 50 years old, recreational athletes at Tegner levels 6 and 7, with a 2-year follow-up were included. Groups were established for comparative analysis (MTT vs TP) based on the method for drilling the femoral tunnel. The main outcome variable was the return to sport at the same level. Secondary variables included patient satisfaction evaluated with a visual analogue scale (VAS) and knee function according to the Lysholm scale. ResultsAt 2 years of postoperative follow-up, the return to sport rate was 30.3% in the MTT group and 33.3% in the TP group (p=0.791). There were no significant differences between both groups in patient satisfaction (p=0.664) and knee function (p=0.113). ConclusionDrilling the femoral tunnel with the MTT and TP techniques did not influence the rate of return to sport, patient satisfaction, and knee function in recreational athletes with 2 years of postoperative follow-up. Level of evidenceIII