[Comparative study on reconstruction of anterior cruciate ligaments with allografts and hamstring tendon under...

To evaluate the effect of reconstruction of anterior cruciate ligaments (ACL) with allogeneic tendon or autologous hamstring tendon under arthroscopy.

Thirty-two cases of ACL injury (3 cases compound with PCL injury) were reviewed. All the patients were divided into two groups randomly. Fifteen cases were reconstructed with hamstring tendon, including 12 male and 3 female with the age ranging from 23 to 61 years. Seventeen cases were reconstructed with allograft, including 11 male and 6 female with the age ranging from 17 to 57 years. The tendons were fixed with absorbable or Ti screws. All patients were recorded symptoms,physical signs and Lysholm Scores two weeks after operation,and functional rehabilitation of knee six months after operation.

All cases were followed up from 6 to 8 months. Pain and clinical symptoms disappeared and the function of knee joint was improved in all patients. Five patients of allograft with positive Lachman test result,one with severe graft rejection was found complete absorption of allograft under arthroscopy. No significant differences were seen in Lysholm Score between the two groups,average (88.5 +/- 7.2), (93.2 +/- 8.5) after operation (P > 0.05).

The effects of reconstruction of cruciate ligaments with allogeneic tendon or autologous hamstring tendon under arthroscopy are more satisfying. But there are more symptoms and obvious individual differences in the earlier stage of rehabilitation. So reconstruction of cruciate ligaments under arthroscopy using autologous hamstring tendon should be performed as far as possible.