Simultaneous bilateral anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic surgery
• Sports medicine
• Reconstructive surgery

Background:

• Limited data exists on the outcomes of simultaneous bilateral anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction.
• This study addresses the lack of comparative outcome reports between unilateral and bilateral ACL reconstruction procedures.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the short-term outcomes of simultaneous bilateral anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction with unilateral reconstruction.
• To evaluate the efficacy, safety, and cost-effectiveness of simultaneous bilateral ACL reconstruction.

Main Methods:

• A case-control study design was employed.
• 28 patients undergoing simultaneous bilateral ACL reconstruction were matched with patients who had unilateral reconstruction.
• Short-term outcomes, including pain, muscle strength, functional scores, return to work/sport, and costs, were compared.

Main Results:

• No significant differences in postoperative pain or quadriceps muscle strength were observed between the groups.
• The simultaneous bilateral group showed comparable or slightly improved modified Noyes scores.
• Return to work and sports timelines were similar, but hospital costs were lower for the simultaneous bilateral group.

Conclusions:

• Simultaneous bilateral anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction is a safe and effective alternative to staged procedures.
• It presents a cost-effective option for patients when clinically indicated.
• This approach yields comparable functional outcomes to unilateral reconstruction.