To compare the results of anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction with preservation versus total removal of torn anterior cruciate ligament stump

Abstract

PURPOSE: Reconstruction of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) with torn ligament remnant preservation is done with the aim to improve the proprioceptive function and vascularization of new graft. In our study, we compared the results of ACL reconstruction with and without preservation of femoral and tibial ACL torn stumps.MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a prospective study consisting of 100 patients distributed into two groups. Group A (n = 50) underwent reconstruction of ACL with remnant stump preservation and Group B (n = 50) underwent reconstruction of ACL with total removal of ACL remnant from the femur and tibia.RESULTS: The present study did not show any significant differences in terms of stability and ACL laxity in the study groups. However, a remarkable difference was noted in proprioception and functional results in both the groups, with Group A (>20%) showing better results.CONCLUSION: Based on our study, we can conclude that it is judicious to keep ACL stump as much as possible, and it is advisable to wait till 4 weeks to get inflammatory phase subsided. Preservation of remnant should not interfere with ACL footprint visualization. Remnant preservation improves proprioception of the knee and functional outcome.