Clinical outcomes and rehabilitation program after ACL primary repair and bone marrow stimulation

Abstract

Objective The purpose of this study is to evaluate the outcome of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) primary repair combined with bone marrow stimulation and followed by a specific rehabilitation program in the treatment of acute ACL lesions in athletes. Methods We prospectively evaluated 36 athletes with partial ACL lesion who were treated with primary repair using suture of the torn portion of the ligament to the remaining fibers, combined with bone marrow stimulation of the ACL femoral attachment site and followed a specific rehabilitation program. Results The 2-year postoperative evaluation showed significant higher values in Tegner and Sane rating scores and reduced mean Rolimeter ® side-to-side difference of anterior knee translation. Conclusion ACL primary repair in acute incomplete lesion combined with bone marrow stimulation and followed by a specific rehabilitation program effectively restored knee stability and function.