Arthroscopic single-bundle versus triple-bundle anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction

The aim of this prospective, randomized study was to compare the clinical results of arthroscopic single-bundle (SB) and triple-bundle (TB) anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction.

The study included 105 patients who underwent arthroscopic SB ACL and TB ACL reconstruction. Anterior stress radiographs and the maximal manual muscle test using a KT-2000 arthrometer were used to assess anteroposterior stability and rotational stability was investigated using the lateral pivot shift test at the 24th month follow-up. Clinical results were assessed using the International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) and Orthopädische Arbeitsgruppe Knie (OAK) scores preoperatively and at the 24th month follow-up. Postoperative thigh circumference, strength and range of motion (ROM) were compared between groups.

Rotational stability was significantly superior in the TB group than in the SB group. There were no statistically significant differences with regard to residual anteroposterior laxity determined at the 24th month follow-up. No significant difference in terms of IKDC score, OAK score, thigh circumference, strength and ROM was detected between the two groups.

Both arthroscopic SB and TB ACL reconstruction resulted in satisfactory subjective outcome and objective stability. Rotational stability was significantly superior in the TB group.