Comparable results between lateralized single- and double-bundle ACL reconstructions.

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic surgery
• Sports medicine
• Biomechanics

Background:

• Multibundle anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction is suggested to improve knee stability.
• Lateralized femoral tunnel placement is biomechanically recommended for single-bundle ACL reconstruction.
• Patellar tendon autografts are considered unsuitable for multibundle ACL reconstruction.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the short-term outcomes of lateralized single-bundle patellar tendon graft (LSBP) ACL reconstruction with double-bundle hamstring tendon grafts (DBH).

Main Methods:

• Prospective follow-up of 144 patients with unilateral ACL rupture.
• Patients were treated with either LSBP or DBH in a nonrandomized fashion.
• Minimum follow-up of 24 months (average 38 months).

Main Results:

• LSBP showed better early knee extension recovery at 1 month, but this normalized by 3 months.
• No significant differences were observed in KT1000, pivot shift, or anterior drawer tests between LSBP and DBH.
• Early differences in hamstring and quadriceps strength recovery between groups disappeared by 12 months.
• International Knee Documentation Committee objective evaluations were similar at final follow-up.

Conclusions:

• Lateralized single-bundle patellar tendon graft (LSBP) ACL reconstruction yields comparable short-term results to double-bundle hamstring tendon grafts (DBH).
• Both graft types demonstrate similar functional outcomes and knee stability at a minimum of 24 months postoperatively.