Reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament. Single- versus double-bundle multistranded hamstring tendons

A total of 108 patients with unilateral instability of the knee, associated with rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament, was prospectively randomised for arthroscopic single- or double-bundle reconstruction of the ligament using hamstring tendons. The same post-operative rehabilitation protocol was used for all. The patients were followed up for a mean of 32 months (24 to 36). We measured the anterior laxity and joint position sense at different angles of flexion of the knee to determine whether both bundles in the double-bundle reconstruction contributed to the stability of the joint and proprioception. No significant difference was found between the two groups with regard to anterior laxity measured by the KT-2000 arthrometer with the knee at 20 degrees or 70 degrees flexion nor with regard to proprioception. A notchplasty was required less often in the double- compared with the single-bundle reconstruction. We did not find any advantage in a double-bundle as opposed to a single-bundle reconstruction in terms of stability or proprioception.