Bicruciate Reconstruction with Bilateral Hamstring Autografts: Technique and Functional Results

Objective  The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical and functional results of simultaneous reconstruction of the ACL and PCL with bilateral hamstring autografts. We hypothesized that this reconstruction technique results in less morbidity and has similar results to the ones published in the previous literature. Methods  Eighteen patients with bicruciate lesions were selected and treated by arthroscopic surgery with autologous hamstring tendons in a single-stage procedure. The thicker semitendinosus tendon (ST) and the two gracilis tendons (G) were used for a 6-strand PCL reconstruction. The thinner ST was used for a 3-strand ACL reconstruction. The average patient age at surgery was 31 years, and the minimum follow-up was 2 years. Function of the operated knee was evaluated according to the Lysholm scale. Anterior knee laxity was examined with a KT-1000 arthrometer. Posterior laxity was evaluated using stress radiographies. Results  Statistically significant improvements were found for all three measurements ( p  < 0.001). Knee function by the Lysholm score increased from 43.8 ± 4.1 to 89.9 ± 3.8 post-surgery. The average anterior knee laxity improved from 5.2 + -0.8 mm initially to 2.4 + - 0.5 mm post-surgery. The posterior translation of the tibia relative to the femur decreased from 10 ± 3.4 mm to 3 ± 1.6 mm post-surgery. No patient showed loss of motion in extension or knee flexion. Conclusion  The simultaneous bicruciate reconstruction with bilateral hamstring autograft is a valuable option to achieve good functional outcomes and ligamentous stability.