Bilateral ACL Reconstructions with Hamstring Autografts.

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic Surgery
• Sports Medicine
• Biomechanical Engineering

Background:

• Bilateral anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries are uncommon, affecting 2-4% of patients.
• Current management guidelines for bilateral ACL injuries are lacking, with controversy surrounding single-stage versus two-stage reconstruction.
• Hamstring tendon autografts are a common choice for ACL reconstruction.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the functional outcomes and clinical safety of single-stage bilateral ACL reconstruction using hamstring tendon autografts.
• To compare the efficacy of single-stage versus two-stage bilateral ACL reconstruction.
• To assess patient satisfaction and return to activity levels post-surgery.

Main Methods:

• Prospective study of 14 patients with bilateral ACL deficiency undergoing single-stage bilateral ACL reconstruction with hamstring autografts.
• Mean follow-up of 28 months (range 24-38 months).
• Functional outcomes assessed using range of motion, IKDC, Lysholm, Tegner scores, and stability tests (Lachman, pivot shift).

Main Results:

• Mean patient age was 30 years; average rehabilitation was 8 weeks.
• Return to work at 5.6 weeks and return to sports at 6.2 months.
• High success rate: 86% negative Lachman, 93% negative pivot shift, 86% return to preinjury activity.
• Excellent functional scores: IKDC 89, Tegner 7, Lysholm 91.
• Over 90% patient satisfaction.

Conclusions:

• Single-stage bilateral ACL reconstruction with hamstring autografts is a safe and effective treatment option.
• This approach yields comparable functional outcomes to two-stage reconstructions.
• Benefits include improved patient compliance, cost-effectiveness, and high satisfaction rates.