Anatomic double-bundle anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction using an outside-in technique: Two-to six-year clinical and radiological follow-up

Abstract

Purpose: We evaluated the clinical and radiological outcomes of double-bundle anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction using an outside-in technique with a follow-up of two-to six-years, especially in terms of the sports activity level and radiological degeneration. Materials and Methods: Sixty-seven patients who were available for a minimum two-year follow-up after double-bundle ACL reconstruction using an outside-in technique were retrospectively evaluated. The mean follow-up period was 43.7 months. The knee function and stability were evaluated before the operation, one year after the operation (short-term follow-up), and more than two years after the operation (last follow-up). Results: Regarding the knee function, the Lysholm score, International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) evaluation, and hop test showed significant improvement. Regarding the stability, the Lachman test, pivot shift test, KT-2000 arthrometer data, and anterior drawer radiographs using Telos showed significant improvement. Regarding the sports activity level, the patients who returned to pre-injury level activity was 68.7% according to the Tegner activity score and 76.1% according to the Cincinnati sports activity scale score. The incidence of aggravated degeneration or development of greater than IKDC grade A degeneration after surgery was 10.4%. Conclusions: Double-bundle ACL reconstruction using an outside-in technique showed favorable clinical and radiological outcomes with respect to the knee function and stability, joint degeneraion, and, especially, return to pre-injury sports activity.