Double semitendinosus anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: 10-year results

In a series of 30 consecutive patients who suffered from chronic instability of the knee joint, reconstruction of the torn anterior cruciate ligament was performed with a looped semitendinosus tendon, reinforced by an extra-articular anterolateral procedure. Of these 30, 27 could be followed up 9-11 years after the operation. The evaluation included the International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) questionnaire and was completed by testing with a Kneelax arthrometer at 132 N and by anteroposterior standing X-ray, in order to evaluate the degenerative changes. At the time of the check-up: 96% of the study group considered that they had normal or nearly normal knees, and 81% had recovered to the same sports activity level as before their injury. The degenerative changes noted at the index operation did not progress notably, except in two cases. Laxities of 7 knees were normal, with a side-to-side difference of less than 2 mm; 15 were nearly normal, with a mean difference of 3.45 mm; and 5 were abnormal, with a mean difference of 6.2 mm. The study shows that the procedure is efficient in restoring a satisfactory stability for most patients and stabilises the evolution of the degenerative lesions as shown by standing X-ray.